The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has raised significant concerns regarding the disconnect between policy-making in Suva and the realities faced by vulnerable populations across the country. Executive Director Vani Catanasiga pointed out that decisions often overlook the needs of the most marginalized groups, particularly during critical periods like the back-to-school assistance rollout.
A pressing example cited by Catanasiga is the exclusion of children of workers under the PALM scheme from government support due to stringent eligibility requirements. She emphasized that despite their evident need for assistance, guardians of these children faced challenges accessing necessary help. This situation underscores a broader issue where policies fail to accommodate the realities of low-income and informal workers, leaving them underserved.
Catanasiga also addressed the urgent need for effective climate relocation planning. Although Fiji is recognized on the global stage for its leadership in climate issues, local communities—especially those most at risk—continue to encounter significant delays in receiving support. FCOSS has recently evaluated some of the most vulnerable communities, identifying approximately 70 that are marked for relocation, many of which have not undergone recent assessments since 2017.
She noted that the solutions required for these communities often involve basic updates such as conducting new surveys to assist them in planning their relocations effectively. While recognizing the financial implications of relocation, Catanasiga challenged the misconception that these communities are incapable of initiating their moves independently. For example, she pointed to ongoing efforts in areas like Momi and rural Bua, where communities are proactively taking steps to manage their relocations.
Catanasiga stressed the importance of consulting affected communities and relevant stakeholders when decisions about their futures are made in Suva. She pointed out the detrimental impact that failing to engage with these groups has on their lives and livelihoods, highlighting the distress that arises when policies do not align with the ground realities.
In closing her remarks, Catanasiga emphasized that without genuine consultation and timely action, policy decisions risk exacerbating inequalities instead of providing protection for those most at risk. This call for accountability and responsive governance reflects a hopeful demand for change, emphasizing the potential for more inclusive and effective policy-making that genuinely addresses the needs of all Fijians.
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