My first Magazine UNDP REACH Impact Stories v13 web_FNL | Page 31

I am most pleased that UNDP though the REACH project,
remains ready to continue to support and work in partnership
with the Government of Fiji in its ongoing efforts to implement
the 2030 Agenda particularly in those areas.
Osnat Lubrani, UN Resident Coordinator and
UNDP Resident Representative, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji
Divisions, as well as visiting the Eastern Division, while
continuing the awareness raising and service delivery
in the Northern Division.
Sunil Sharma, the Director, Legal Aid Commission
said, “the Legal Aid Commission is fully committed to
going out and reaching all communities, in order to
help people understand their rights and also to access
government services.” He added, “it is important to
ensure that all Fijians have access to information on
their rights, have the information on the services that
can be provided by the Government and have access
to those services, wherever they live in Fiji. Importantly
we must have an inclusive approach to reach out to all
Fijians and not leave anyone behind.”
The mobile team this year will be assisted with mobile
units specially equipped and designed for efficient
delivery of services and effective awareness raising.
The information gained and lessons learned from the
mobile team services conducted in 2015, will inform
the type and style of these mobile units (such as buses)
and the processes to develop these vehicles have now
commenced.
With the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Goals launched on 1 January 2016 with 17 goals which
addresses the needs of people in both developed and
developing countries, emphasising that no one should
be left behind, the REACH project will contribute
particularly to achieving the Goal 5: Achieve gender
equality and empower all women and girls and Goal 16:
Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.
access to social services, especially for the women of Fiji
in rural areas and informal settlements. This is in line with
two of the main concepts for Japanese ODA, namely
‘Strengthening Human Security’ and ‘Encouraging
Gender Equality’. I am pleased to acknowledge good
progress made by the REACH project since it started in
June 2015, also strengthening the partnership between
Japan, the Government of Fiji and UNDP”.
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation,
Hon. Rosy Sofia Akbar said the Project will create new
platforms for socioeconomic empowerment of rural
communities.
“The REACH Project is a unique way to raise awareness
on Ministry›s services, on social welfare programs,
women empowerment and child protection. It includes
information sharing on how to report cases of domestic
violence, child welfare cases, positive parenting, male
advocacy, gender equality, women’s reproductive health
services and counselling services. We will capitalize on
the REACH Project to create well-informed, united and
resilient communities in Fiji,” Minister Akbar elaborated.
The REACH Project commenced in June 2015, with the
initial focus to enhance delivery of services through the
provision of ‘mobile teams’ visiting urban informal and
rural communities in the Northern Division.
Osnat Lubrani, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP
Resident Representative said, “UNDP is marking its 50th
anniversary in 2016, leading the UN development system
in over 170 countries and territories and connecting
countries to knowledge, experience and resources to
help people build a better life. With over five decades
of experience in development work, I am most pleased
that UNDP though the REACH Project, remains ready to
continue to support and work in partnership with the
Government of Fiji in its ongoing efforts to implement
the 2030 Agenda particularly in those areas.”
H.E. Takuji Hanatani, Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of Japan said, “Japan’s assistance for
the REACH project aims to effectively improve people’s
IMPACT STORIES Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion (REACH) for Rural and Urban Fijians Project
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