The Pacific Program

Under the R2P Pacific Program, the APR2P Centre works closely with partners in the Pacific, especially the Melanesian sub-region, on socialising the principles of R2P and atrocity prevention, and amplifying awareness of the issues facing Pacific nations. Localising the R2P agenda to the Pacific context is a high priority, and this has involved identifying common themes with existing Pacific models such as the Boe and Biketawa Declarations.

The Pacific Program is implemented at various levels, aligning R2P with the agendas of regional bodies such as the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). Under a formal agreement with MSG, the Centre has co-facilitated workshops for senior government officials from Melanesian countries and developed an action plan being implemented in partnership between APR2P and MSG.

At the national level, the Centre and the Fiji Government have progressed initiatives connecting R2P with the Ocean of Peace and relevant transitional justice work, and on integrating R2P into existing policies in Fiji.

A number of workshops and projects have been supported by the Centre, and a key part of the Pacific Program involves working with the NGO and civil society sector, including joint events with Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO), the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (Pacific Regional Office), the University of the South Pacific, and local civil society organisations like the Vanuatu Human Rights Coalition, Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding, Femlink, and Magna Carta PNG.

The R2P Pacific Director is Mr Romulo Nayacalevu, an experienced human rights practitioner, trainer, lawyer and advisor to Pacific Island governments and NGOs.