Fiji has launched its Displacement Guidelines and become one of the few countries around the world to do so.

Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum announced the guidelines at COP 25 in Spain this morning.

This is the second guideline by government following the launch of the Planned Relocation Guideline earlier.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the ever increasing problem of climate change and its impact on human lives means more must be done.

“When the displacement of people occurs, due to a disaster event, or a set of unforseen interrelated circumstances, it is very important to have guidance on the roles of Government and non-state actors in assisting those in need. We must also be clear that when displacement events occur, it is not a state led process like planned relocation. It can be sudden and unexpected and as result we need to institutionalize that understanding of one, how to intervene to support the most vulnerable and two, how to reduce the drive of displacement.”

With plans to relocate over 40 settlements in the near future, Sayed-Khaiyum says the need to look after those affected is paramount.

“Both the Planned Relocation and Displacement Guideline are more than just guidance. They are part of larger push within Government to improve our foresight of risk.”

Fiji has also set up Fiji’s Climate Relocation and Displaced People’s Trust Fund.