Project date: 6 months (July 2020 to December 2020)
Grant: FJD 17,000
Focus area: COVID-19/TC Harold response

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, eight NGOs and CSOs from across different areas in Fiji have come together to form the Fiji CSO Alliance for COVID-19 Humanitarian Response. Members include the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises & Development (FRIEND), Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC), Diverse Voices and Action (DIVA) for Equality, Citizen’s Constitutional Forum (CCF), Social Empowerment and Education Programme (SEEP), femLINKpacific, Rainbow Pride Foundation (RPF) and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement.

The alliance is working on the interlinking issues of community development, human rights, social justice, gender equality and violence against women.

Funding to the Alliance is helping a few of the members with their humanitarian relief efforts.