Karen Allen

Governments, human rights activists, national human rights institutions and UN officials from across the Pacific attended the launch, shared their perspectives of the situation of LGBTI, (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex), people and called for action to combat homophobia and transphobia.

Government representatives from Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Fiji were represented.

The event also featured mesmerising performances, including by Kiti Niumataiwalu, the Voice of Fiji, and the Rainbow Pacific Free & Equal Choir, created specifically for the campaign launch.

"The actions shown by government shows that the plans are not solely about recovery, but recovery that strengthens resilience of families, communities, islands, and the nation.”

The UN acknowledged the government of Tuvalu for recognising it as one of the important partners in the implementation of the vulnerability reduction plan and its commitment to strengthening disaster response and resilience for its people. The UN agencies responded to governments request and provided support in various technical roles also recognising the different partnerships involved in the process.