The Pacific Islands region faces severe vulnerability to the climate crisis, with increasing frequency and intensity of disasters such as tropical cyclones, floods, and earthquakes. Fiji, a part of this region, is especially susceptible to these events.
Disasters and the climate crisis exacerbate existing forms of discrimination based on gender, sexuality, age, ethnicity, class, religion, and geography. Vulnerable groups like women, children, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities are disproportionately affected. CARE Australia supports organizations like Fiji's Rainbow Pride Foundation, Save the Children Fiji, and the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation to promote gender equality, disability inclusion, and LGBTQ+ rights in disaster preparedness and response.

Rainbow Pride Foundation, addresses the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Fiji. Despite some legal protection, stigma and discrimination persist, making it vital to change societal attitudes. The Foundation conducts sensitization training, SOGIESC audits of partners, and community outreach to foster acceptance and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people.

Save the Children Fiji focuses on children's rights, advocating for child safeguarding and protection. Fiji has made progress in child rights but faces issues like poverty, violence against children, and child sexual abuse. SCF raises awareness, sensitizes communities, and provides child-friendly spaces during disasters. They also empower children to participate in decision-making and policy discussions.

The Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation (FPDF) addresses the unique vulnerabilities of persons with disabilities during humanitarian crises. They emphasize inclusive disaster communication and advocate for reasonable accommodations for accessibility. FPDF promotes gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion (GEDSI) and urges partners to avoid tokenistic approaches in their inclusion efforts.

All these organizations recognize the importance of an intersectional approach, acknowledging multiple layers of vulnerability within marginalized communities. They ensure inclusivity for LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities, unemployed, undereducated, sex workers, racial minorities, and more, strengthening their collective voice.

These organizations in Fiji are actively addressing the intersectional challenges posed by disasters and the climate