The UNICEF Regional Director, East Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Daniel Toole paid a courtesy visit to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Ratu Inoke Kubuabola in Suva today.
Mr. Toole was very pleased with the UNICEF’s partnership with Fiji especially through their sub-regional office in Suva. He was also impressed with the measures taken by the Fijian Government to end violence against children.
Mr. Toole stated that, “Fiji showed great commitment and progress and I often use Fiji as an example in the Pacific countries”.
He also mentioned that the worst forms of violence occurred in the homes and communities and often such issues were difficult to discuss and report, however, he is happy that Fiji is leading the way.
Mr. Toole also thanked the Fijian Government for their support to their Suva Office to assist Vanuatu in the aftermath of the Cyclone Pam by allowing swift movement of the facility to Vanuatu.
The Hon. Minister Kubuabola also offered Fiji’s support to the work of the sub-regional office in Suva. The Hon. Minister Kubuabola also assured Fiji’s commitment to the proposed Optional Protocol of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Mr. Toole was accompanied by Ms. Karen Allen, the Representative of the Pacific Island Countries. He was in Fiji to participate in the Pacific End Violence Against Women Conference in Nadi.