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Australian Government Pledges AUD50,000 for Humanitarian Support

Countries
Fiji
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Sources
Fiji Red Cross
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A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on Monday 12th January, 2015, between the Fiji Red Cross Society (FRCS) and the Australian Government’s Fiji Community Development Program (FCDP).

Through FCDP, the Australian Government has committed to a total of AUD50,000 for emergency disaster relief that the FRCS can activate upon request from the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).

Following the MOU signing, the Australian High Commission’s Regional Development Acting Counsellor John Morley said that this is a reflection of the Australian Government’s commitment to the people of Fiji.

“The first 48 hours after a disaster strikes are often the most difficult, roads and communications can be cut, field staff that are needed to respond can themselves be impacted by the disaster. Very soon after a disaster responders need information on what happened and where to be able to begin relief operations,” Mr Morley said.

“These funds will allow Fiji Red Cross and NDMO to take those important first steps to help affected communities and Australia is very pleased to be able to support them both,” he added.

The MOU is a 12-month pilot agreement enabling the Australian Government, through FCDP, to launch humanitarian action swiftly in the event of a major weather event, channelling the funds through the FRCS to meet immediate humanitarian needs identified by the NDMO.