Pacific

Fiji's December 2022 elections resulted in a peaceful transition to a new government after a history of coups since Fiji's independence. Despite progress, political and social divisions persist, posing an ongoing risk to Fiji’s peace and stability. Furthermore, climate change is continuing to put pressure on communities and the government, increasing the risks of instability and conflict. Building on our long history in the region, we’re working with our Fijian partners to help reduce conflict risks, manage conflicts constructively and increase the resilience of Fijians to emerging challenges.

High levels of interpersonal and inter-group violence continue to have devastating effects on the people of Hela Province in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Dissatisfaction with limited development in the province, competition for power, the deterioration of customary limits on violence and the introduction of factory-made weapons, all underlie why conflict occurs and exacerbate levels of violence.

However, individuals, community-based groups, churches, international agencies and the PNG National and Hela Provincial Governments are engaged in a range of initiatives seeking to prevent and address the effects of violence. We are currently developing a programme of work in Hela Province with civil society partners to deepen people’s understanding of conflict dynamics and find sustainable, peaceful resolution to violence.