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Oxfam Australia works with two local partner organisations in Fiji on a range of issues, from tackling the spread of HIV and AIDS to addressing the social and environmental costs of mining development and land leasing agreements. While the issues are diverse our goal remains the same: to reduce poverty and build a more peaceful and inclusive society.
Our focus
Peace building
Fiji has built a relatively diverse economy on the back of the strong tourism and sugar sectors but political instability, inequalities – particularly between the indigenous Fijian and Indian populations – and issues over land ownership continue to hamper development.
We are supporting the Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy's Peace Program in Suva to run intensive training programs on peace building and conflict resolution for civil society, the private sector, government representatives, police and the military.
Community empowerment
We also support the Ecumenical Centre for Research Education and Advocacy to run a community empowerment program with rural communities. The Social Empowerment and Education Program (SEEP) challenges the culture of silence in Fiji and promotes a more inclusive approach to the community decision-making processes which directly affect their lives, whether at a local, provincial or national level.
HIV and AIDS
HIV is a growing problem for Fiji and particularly worrying in the Pacific regional context where countries such as Papua New Guinea are facing a possible HIV epidemic. We are supporting local partner organisation Women’s Action for Change to help women realise their sexual and reproductive health rights by creating safe and non-judgmental spaces for them to explore decision-making issues, build skills to negotiate safer sex and discuss HIV and AIDS prevention.
Trade
Free trade agreements – currently being negotiated between the Pacific Island Forum (representing South Pacific governments) and the European Union – will significantly affect the lives of Fijians and their fellow Pacific Islanders. We are funding research into the implications of these agreements for people's livelihoods and a series of workshops for civil society groups in Fiji and other island countries.
Natural resource exploitation
Since 2003, our Mining Ombudsman has been working with the Vatukoula, Nasomo and Tavua Basin communities to address their concerns about the Vatukoula Gold Mine. Local women and men are concerned about poor wages and inadequate health and safety practices for mine workers, environmental degradation and a lack of clean water.
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Stories & photos
Listening to community views
Former Pacific Program Officer Li Fung explains how rural Fijian communities are taking control of their lives like never before.Find out more...
Pacific free trade talks
Oxfam Australia and Oxfam New Zealand have joined forces to raise awareness about the implications of free trade agreements on Fiji and its South Pacific neighbours. Find out more...