Be transparent, give us details: FWCC

Source: Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre

“If you want the world to be transparent and accountable on climate change, you should also practice what you preach”.

That is the message to the FijiFirst government from human rights activist Shamima Ali, who says government must be transparent and accountable and make public a detailed report on the use of every dollar of donor funds for the COP26 trip to Glasgow.

She said the report must also include payment of allowances to the Prime Minister, Attorney General and other members of the large delegation.

Ms Ali also questioned the need for Fiji to send such a large delegation to COP26, numbering to about 36 and asked for a report on what role each member of the delegation played.

“This is exorbitant, unnecessary, and extremely insensitive when many families cannot even afford enough food to feed their families because of the COVID crisis.

Shamima Ali

“While our people are suffering and struggling to put food on the table, the government’s large attendance at COP26 was yet another clear signal that it did not care for the people and is completely out of touch with their day-to-day realities.”

Ms Ali said while we are being told that the donors are footing the bill, surely, the money could be better used to mitigate climate change in Fiji or more, fix our ailing healthcare facilities with beds, oxygen tanks, doors and windows, equipment, proper morgues instead of dumping bodies in containers or providing food to people who can barely afford a day’s meal.

Ms Ali says for the sake of transparency and accountability – something that this government keeps talking about – the people of this country should know how much of taxpayer and donor funds were spent at COP26 and what were we able to achieve that will help mitigate the impact of climate change in Fiji.

As per the norm, she said our leaders have a habit of talking big on the international stage about talanoa, climate justice, united-approach, leaving no one behind and bipartisanship – and do the opposite at home.
At COP26, the government claimed that it has involved various stakeholders in designing its mitigation plans and adaptation measures to combat the impact of climate change.

“Who did the government consult with?

“Were the inputs of critical stakeholders such as academics and Pacific climate experts from the University of the South Pacific included?

“This government continues to talk about the voice of the Pacific, but has abandoned the very university that runs courses and researches on climate change.

“What happened to the talks of engaging civil society organizations who are very engaged with the communities facing the full brunt of climate change?

“Were the Members of the Opposition, women, youth groups, farmers, women and men in the fisheries sector and other important stakeholders consulted?

Ms Ali said for the government to claim that it carried out a widespread consultation with various stakeholders is an absolute lie.

“The entire process was tightly controlled. It was not inclusive of the representative grassroots organizations of the people who are the real survivors of climate catastrophes.

“Sadly, an important piece of legislation – the Climate Act – was rushed through Parliament in September without time being allowed for a proper debate, discussion and consultation.”

Ms Ali said while we talk big on the world stage on what other countries should be doing to mitigate the impacts of climate change, we should not forget the Freesoul Real Estate saga and the devastation it caused to the foreshore at Malolo Island by dumping waste and ripping out part of a reef in a pristine environment, breaching Fiji’s own environment laws.

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“One just needs to make a trip around Viti Levu to see how acres of mangroves and wetlands have been destroyed to make way for construction sites.

“We are also being told of reefs being removed in Taveuni to create waves for surfing.

“There are several other well known cases of the government allowing foreign companies to conduct commercial development activities which have wreaked untold damage on the environment.”

Ms Ali said we seem to be very least bothered about fixing these issues at home, but the PM and his Minster for everything, who is now the Pacific’s High-Level Champion for Oceans at COP26 are very busy extracting money from the Climate Fund.

Ms Ali also expressed her disgust at the recent actions by police to stop the youths who had gathered at My Suva Park to march as part of worldwide Day of Climate Action protests against governments failing to act more urgently at the global COP26 conference in Glasgow.

“Was this action of the police really needed? The PM and AG gave speeches in Glasgow against climate change. But young people in Fiji are not allowed to march and show their support for the same thing.

“The government does not have exclusive rights to climate change. Climate change is all our business.”

Ms Ali said this government needs to stop grandstanding and deal with the pressing issues at home, after all, charity begins at home.

Ends…

For more information, please call Shamima Ali on 9992 875