Fiji CSO Alliance for COVID-19 Humanitarian Response

BACKGROUND

Solidarity is important now more than ever, as Fiji and the world increases its efforts to combat the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). With millions of people confirmed to have contracted the virus globally and thousands dead, the world is brought to a standstill. Fiji and the Pacific, within its regional context, are at significant risk and already its effects on food security, access to essential services, safety and livelihoods are strongly felt, partcularly for those dependent on the tourism industry as travel restrictions are enforced the world over.

CSOs and NGOs in Fiji have been monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and working across different sectors to contribute to relief efforts where possible and provide humanitarian support. With the additional crisis caused by TC Harold, there's been urgent mobilisation to support frontline responders and address the needs of the marginalised and vulnerable, whose situation has been exacerbated by the pandemic.

To strengthen this network of solidarity and support, six NGOs and CSOs from across different areas in Fiji have come together to form the Fiji CSO Alliance for COVID-19 Humanitarian Response. At the core of our work, are the rights and dignity of all. 

The aim of this Alliance is to build on existing partnerships and allies to coordinate COVID-19 response efforts, information and analysis and provide support to each other in whatever way we can. 

Members

  • The Fiji Women's Crisis Centre

    The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) provides crisis counselling and legal and other practical support services for women and children who are sufferers and survivors of violence committed against them by men.

       

  • Citizen's Constitutional Forum

    The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum Limited (CCF) is a non-governmental organisation based in Suva with more than 20 years’ experience in community education and advocacy on Fiji’s Constitution, democracy, human rights and multiculturalism.

     

  • The Social Empowerment and Education Programme

    The Social Empowerment and Education Programme is founded on Social Justice & Promotes People-Centered Development.

     

  • femLINKPacific

    femLINKpacific is a feminist media and policy network that produces a range of media initiatives, including community radio broadcasts and resource materials for and by diverse rural women. Through these initiatives and regular convenings, femLINKpacific supports a thriving network of women to monitor and create media, and contribute to research on issues related to peace and security, to create sustainable and transformative change.

     

  • Rainbow Pride Foundation

    The Rainbow Pride Foundation (RPF) is a not-for-profit organisation legally registered in Fiji that advocates for the human rights of LGBT persons so that they are respected and are able to live with dignity, free from discrimination, persecution, and violence; and where their human rights are upheld. Its mandate includes promoting LGBTQI Rights and Equality, Social Justice and Health & Well-being.

     

  • The FIji Women's Rights Movement

    The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM) is a multiethnic and multicultural non-governmental organisation committed to removing discrimination against women through institutional reforms and attitudinal changes.

      

  • CSO Alliance member reps at planning retreat -22nd August, 2020

  • CSO Alliance press conference in Lautoka - 25th June, 2020

  • CSO Alliance member reps at a press conference in Lautoka - 25th June, 2020. Left to right: SEEP Fiji Chantelle Khan, FWCC Shamima Ali, femLINKpacific Susan Grey, FWRM Nalini Singh, CCF Louchrisha Hussain and FRIEND Fiji Sashi Kiran

  • CSO Alliance member reps - femLINKpacific Susan Grey, FWCC Shamima Ali, FRIEND Sashi Kiran, FWRM Nalini Singh

  • CSO Alliance members meet

  • CSO Alliance opening the COVID 19 Humanitarian Response Centre in Nadi - 11th October, 2020

  • CSO Alliance reps at press conference responding to the national budget - 31st July, 2020

  • R.I.P Fiji Budget - 30th July, 2020

  • CSO Alliance and TISI Sangam partnership - July 30th, 2020

Media

MEDIA RELEASES

Media Conferences

30/07/2020 National Budget Response by the CSO Alliance for COVID-19 Humanitarian Response

30/07/2020 CSO Alliance launches a new partnership

11/08/2020 The opening ceremony of the new “COVID-19 CSO Alliance Humanitarian Response Centre,” in partnership with TISI Sangam, Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development, Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and the CSO Alliance for COVID-19 Humanitarian Response.

11/08/2020 CSO Alliance media conference on emerging humanitarian issues

5/02/2021 "Tell the Truth Now!" media conference by the CSO Alliance.

NEWSLETTERS

The CSO Alliance sends out newsletters of updates of events organised every week by the members. These newsletters are compiled by the Secretariat and distributed amongst CSO networks, friends, supporters and human rights advocates.

Issues:

20 This week's e-newsletter features FWRM and femLINKpacific.

19 The continued work of FRIEND Fiji and SEEP Fiji is highlighted in this week's newsletter.

18 This week we read about updates from Rainbow Pride Foundation - Fiji and femLINKpacific.

17 This week the e-newsletter features the work of FRIEND and FWRM.

16 This week marked International Day for Charity and World Suicide Prevention Day. Read updates from SEEP and FWCC

15 This week's newsletter features updates from Alliance partners, femLINKpacific and the Citizen's Constitutional Forum. 

14 Update on the Alliance Planning Retreat. Announcement: Alliance now has seven members

13 The Alliance opens the new Humanitarian Center and holds a media conference to raise concerns on urgent issues

12 The Fiji CSO Alliance for COVID-19 Humanitarian Response held a press conference to raise concerns about the Fiji National Budget 2020-2021.

11 CSO Alliance members react to the Budget- MISSED OPPORTUNITY: Fijians left behind again

10 New social protection factsheets released by the We Rise Coalition

9 The Fiji CSO Alliance for COVID-19 Humanitarian Response held a press conference to raise concerns about the escalating COVID-19 crisis in Lautoka

8 The Alliance publishes the letter to the PM. Two weeks ago, the Alliance members sent a letter to the Prime Minister's Office to highlight key issues on the ground, the work being done by the Alliance and query on national short term and long term COVID-19 response and recovery plans.

7 Fiji has now been declared COVID-19 contained. Read brief updates from the Alliance members

6 This week, the Alliance was featured in the DevPolicy Blog sharing its experience in coordinating and supporting partner's humanitarian work.

5 This week marked Menstrual Hygiene Day on Thursday, May 28. Members of the Alliance commemorated the day in their individual work as part of campaigns to raise awareness and remove the stigma around menstrual health.

4 Every week, the enewsletter will feature a highlight from two of the partners in the Alliance. This week, we share: FWCC and FWRM

3 NEW PAPER on the Gendered Impacts of COVID-19 on Women in Fiji.

2  COVID-19 Supplementary Budget Analysis.

1 New Fiji CSO Alliance for COVID-19 Humanitarian Response formed

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