PIANGO SECURES PACIFIC VOICE TO THE UN HIGH LEVEL CSO STEERING COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES

Suva – The Pacific Islands Association of NGOs (PIANGO) has become the only Pacific representative in the CSO steering committee to the UN High Level Meeting on Large Movements of Migrants and Refugees.

PIANGO was nominated by Pacific Women’s Indigenous Network (PACWIN), a non-governmental organisation based in New Zealand, which also serves as PIANGOs focal point for the Migrants Diaspora sector.

PIANGO’s CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness Regional coordinator, Alanieta Vakatale said the nomination made by PACWIN’s Pefi Kingi was a plus for the region.

“PIANGO will use this opportunity to raise awareness and elevate the issue of climate change induced migration that is now affecting the region,” Ms Vakatale said.

“As a member of the steering committee, PIANGO is positioned to possibly have some influence on the various stakeholder meetings that will happen as a build up to the 19^th September 2016 UN Summit,” she said.

“Last year, the summit convened at the time of UN General Assembly was focused on Sustainable Development Goals but this year the focus has shifted to Refugee and Migrants.”

The steering committee is made up of CSOs from around the world including ActionAid UK, Women’s League of Burma and International Catholic Migration Commission.

ENDS

For Further Information Please Contact PIANGO Communications: Email- communications@piango.org or phone: (679) 3300060 Facebook: facebook.com/Pacific2020   Twitter: @Pacific_2030