Statement by the Government of Fiji,
Lauding the Endorsement of a Regional Framework on Climate Mobility
on the Occasion of the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in the Cook Islands
Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 15 November 2023 – The Fifty-Second (52nd) Pacific Islands Forum was held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands from 6 – 10 November 2023, and was attended by the Heads of State, Government, and Territories of Australia, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Samoa, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu. New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu were represented at Ministerial Level. During this meeting, Pacific Islands countries endorsed a Regional Framework on Climate Mobility. This agreement is a first in terms of addressing the issues of migration, displacement, and planned relocation comprehensively. In reaction to this momentous agreement, the Government of Fiji ensued a statement.
——–
The Pacific Leaders’ endorsement of the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility at their 52nd meeting in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, brings to fruition 2 years of collaborative effort by all – Member States, CROP and UN partners, and non-government stakeholders.
It is a regional first, with a forward-looking intent aimed at driving change in regards the issue of climate change and disaster related mobility, while recognising the right of our Pacific people to stay in their homes as a fundamental priority.
It also reiterates our commitment as a region to strengthen collaboration and commitment to proactively pursue efforts to anticipate, prepare for and respond to the destructive impacts of climate related mobility, contributing to the visions and goals of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
We are already living the realities of the adverse impacts of climate change challenging our ability as Pacific Islanders to stay in our homes, protect our traditional practices, cultural heritage and maintain our identity.
The Regional Framework acknowledges the intricate link between climate change and different forms of human mobility, emphasising the urgency of ensuring rights-based and people-centred approaches. The Regional Framework, although not legally binding, enshrines the commitment of countries to strengthen collaboration on migration pathways that enable vulnerable Pacific people to move safely in the context of climate change, while assisting and protecting people at risk of internal displacement, respecting and ensuring existing initiatives, laws and policies are not undermined.
It also calls for relocation to be carried out in a safe, dignified and timely manner. This comprehensive approach is underpinned by the Pacific’s spirit of solidarity and cooperation, which will be critical to its implementation.
As the global community debates how to address loss and damage associated with climate change, the finalisation and endorsement of the Regional Framework sets an example for the rest of the world to follow suit. It acknowledges an issue that many countries in the world are yet to accept, but is already being felt around the world and will have a lasting impact on the resilience of the Pacific region and its future generations.
The Co-Chairs of the Joint-Working Group on Climate Mobility, representing the Governments of Fiji and Tuvalu, express their deep appreciation for the exemplary leadership demonstrated by our Pacific leaders in advocating for decisive climate action and innovative solutions. Ms. Keleni Seruvatu, Head of Multilateral Affairs for the Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscores the significance of the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility and commends the collective determination displayed by Member States, UN, and CROP partners, as well as stakeholders, emphasizing their pivotal role in propelling the drafting of the Regional Framework forward.
Furthermore, Mr. Tauisi Taupo, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Justice, Communication and Foreign Affairs of the Government of Tuvalu, emphasises that the endorsement of the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility marks a noteworthy milestone, symbolizing the unwavering dedication of Pacific nations to safeguarding the well-being and resilience of their people. He highlights the framework as a substantial step forward in addressing climate-induced mobility, underscoring the shared responsibility to confront the challenges posed by climate change.
In conclusion, Mr. Taupo affirms that the foremost priority moving forward is the dedicated and diligent implementation of this framework.
Header photo © IOM
