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 Home Overseas Projects The Pacific Region Strategy
Regional Pacific Strategic Plan 2012-2014
19 October 2012
Regional Pacific Strategic Plan 2012-2014
Background - Program Context
The Pacific Islands are affected by extensive social and cultural change occurring against a history of colonialism, strong cultural diversity and Christianity. Due to the constraints of finance and geography, Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA has decided to focus strategically on the mainly Melanesian countries between West Papua and Fiji, which comprise Australia's closest geographical links and contain the large majority of the region's population. Some Melanesian countries suffer from chronic political destabilisation and increasing militarisation. The Pacific program has been based on partnerships with local health, vocational education, trade unions and community organisations in Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Key issues and concerns
Common issues of concern in the Pacific are related to:
- the impact of climate change on small island communities, including forced migration, unpredictable and more severe weather patterns and soil and water degradation
- the constraints of size, remoteness and isolation
- the impact of globalisation on small economies
- joblessness and the employment constraints in both rural and urban contexts
- the impact of regional trade agreements such as PACER-Plus on small island communities
- a history of inappropriate economic development, cargo mentality and donor driven agenda
- poor government performance and financial controls, and diminished democratic rights
- political and social threats to building a strong civil society (made up of churches, universities, women's groups, unions, youth networks) at national and regional levels to advocate for appropriate national and regional infrastructure in education, transport and health
- political, ethnic and civil unrest and contest over access to land and resources
- unsustainable exploitation of land and marine environments, in particular foreign exploitation of fishing, timber and mineral resources
- rapid population growth and its impact on health and social problems (including over-demand for natural resources, youth unemployment and alienation, domestic violence, drugs and alcohol)
- low social and economic status of women and participation in unions/community and political decision making
- deepening health problems due to communicable diseases and poor nutrition and health access
Key strategies of Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA in the Pacific 2012-2008
- Strategic partnerships with indigenous and Australian NGOs
- Strengthening of civil society through established networks and unions
- Linkages with local, regional and international union organisations to respond to key occupational health and safety issues, trade agreements, ILO industry planning and labour laws
- Advocacy on human rights, labour mobility rights, women's rights and indigenous rights, plus the needs of youth
- Facilitating changes in behaviour and attitudes around traditional roles of men and women in family, community, and national politics
- Exchange of information and close collaboration between partners, projects and NGOs
- Research for project development and evaluation
Strategic project areas/themes
- Vocational and livelihood education (including skills training and equipment/tools for training) and adult basic education
- Climate change adaptation: appropriate technology and sustainable agriculture
- Health awareness training including occupational health and safety
- Labour rights
- South-South learning and exchange
- Civil society strengthening
Current projects in 2012
- Support for community based vocational, livelihoods and adult basic aducation training in Solomon Islands
- Strategic planning and education on HIV/AIDS by trade unions in PNG
- Health and education initiatives for rural development in PNG
Project areas for further development
- Civil society strengthening
- Appropriate communications between isolated island communities
- Strengthening trade union responses to HIV/AIDS
- Strengthening trade union support to informal sector and vulnerable workers
- Climate change adaptation strategies for vulnerable communities
- Advocacy on labour mobility, labour rights and trade agreements
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