For many decades, Australians have reached out to our Pacific Island neighbours through a range of government and non-government activities.

The Australian government has sought to enhance and expand this engagement through its Pacific Step-up, which was announced in September 2016.

This report examines Australia’s important ongoing role in the Pacific in the light of the Step-up. In particular, it focuses on the role of civil society, the advancement of the human rights of women and girls, and the effectiveness of Australia’s overseas development assistance programs in supporting these rights.