The Pacific

Overview

In the Pacific, political, economic and environmental problems are deepening. Melanesian countries, in particular Fiji, PNG and Solomon Islands, have undergone coups with increasing militarisation, plus highly contested and damaging exploitation of resources and labour.

In the Pacific, political, economic and environmental problems are deepening. Melanesian countries, in particular Fiji, PNG and Solomon Islands, have undergone coups with increasing militarisation, plus highly contested and damaging exploitation of resources and labour.

2003 has witnessed a major shift in Australian government policy in the Pacific with military and police intervention in the Solomon Islands to restore law and order and revive the economy. Australian aid is becoming increasingly focused and conditional upon good governance, law and order.

HIV/AIDS is an emerging problem that inevitably poses an increasing threat to the region. HIV has been spreading slowly since the late 1980's and by the end of 2004 more than 10,000 people were reported as infected with HIV in 22 Pacific Island Countries and Territories. The actual numbers are undoubtedly higher. There is increasing widespread realisation among urban workers and unions that HIV/AIDS will affect the most productive sectors of society, the economy in general and the unions in particular. In 2004, Union Aid Abroad assisted the South Pacific Council of Trade Unions (SPOCTU) to assess the trade union based regional response. The report, "Waiting for Something to Happen" can be downloaded, please click here

In Papua New Guinea, serious economic and environmental problems, political instability and corruption, plus the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS are creating major problems. Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA is currently working with trade unions on HIV prevention and strategic planning with the PNG Trade Union Congress.

In Bougainville, a new autonomous government has been elected in 2005 after a long and arduous peace process. Rebuilding of political, economic and social capital is desperately needed. Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA is assisting technical training in sustainable agriculture and quality tools for vocational training centres.

The situation in Solomon Islands has changed dramatically since the middle of 2003 with the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands after more than three years of ethnic fighting and economic collapse. Solomon Islanders, who had grown heartily weary of violence, corruption and a bankrupt government, have broadly welcomed the mission. Restoration of the economy and providing opportunities for a rapidly growing population are now essential. In July 2004, APHEDA started a new 3-year project to build the capacity of a wide range of Community Based Training Centres, which focus on short courses and community training.

Strategy

History

Projects

Latest The Pacific News

© Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA 2003.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-Aug-2006 10:47:38 EST
This page: http://apheda.org.au/projects/pacific/index.html