Fiji

“The Land Beyond the Horizon” captures the stories of Pacific islanders whose lands and livelihoods are threatened by climate change, as well as those who have had to relocate to other countries, and discusses the impacts on their lives, cultures, languages and traditions. 

The film also features exclusive footage and interviews with prominent leaders such as the President Anote Tong of Kiribati, Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga of  Tuvalu and Mary Robinson, the United Nations Special Envoy on Climate Change – leaders in the frontline of climate change efforts throughout the world.

In congratulating  Remengesau, Prime Minister Bainimarama said that Fiji and Palau share the potential to “strengthen our bilateral ties across a broad front”.

The Prime Minister also used the occasion to speak broadly about the collective stand that Pacific leaders should take in the lead up to the Climate Change Summit in Paris later this year.

This was revealed by the Immigration Director Nemani Vuniwaqa after more than 30 applications from foreigners seeking asylum in Fiji were processed.

A total of 34 applications to seek asylum in the country were processed by the Immigration Department.

Only 20 refugees were confirmed with 13 remaining in the country.

“ The UNCHR regions office is based in Canberra is assisting them in terms of funds and monthly allowance. They are liaising with the team here at the department in ensuring these people are cared for,” said Vuniwaqa.

Wales face Fiji on Thursday having had only four days to recover from their bruising win against England.

Gatland will not use it as an excuse during this World Cup but believes it is an issue which needs to be addressed in the long term.

"It's something we all need to be aware of because it's a pretty brutal game at the moment," he said.

"It's important we consider and look after the welfare of our players as well.

"I'm not complaining about the short turnaround because we've known about that for a long time. We've had to prepare for that."

Wales stunned England 28-25 at Twickenham and would be on the brink of the last eight if they beat Fiji.

Gatland says the players had "a bit of a rocket" because training on Tuesday was "a bit lighter".

"I said 'if I see any body language or anything that's not right, I will change you'," said Gatland.

He had earlier announced a starting line-up showing three enforced changes following injuries that ended Scott Williams' and Hallam Amos's tournament involvement.

Acting Director of the National Disaster Management Office Akapusi Tuifagalele says following the 1997 drought, the country had experienced a series of natural disasters.

“That is one of the issues that we are actually looking into knowing that for what happened in 1997 & 1998 it was broken by a tropical cyclones, followed by flooding. We are hoping that is not going to happen for us during this season but it may,” said Akapusi Tuifagalele, acting Director NDMO.

In an exclusive interview with FBC News, President Anote Tong says he will be convening an extraordinary meeting with other Pacific island countries to discuss the issue of climate induced migration.

“Fiji has been the one country that’s been the most forthcoming and I think it’s challenging every other country. I think this is the kind of response that has been sadly lacking in the past. There has been no leadership of this and Fiji is taking leadership”.

The recent deportation of Kiribati national Ioane Teitiota from New Zealand last week has had a rippling effect.

He was speaking at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York.

“Many developing countries do not have the financial resources to do what is needed to fulfil the goals. Many countries have the ideas, the plans and the resolve to act; but do not have the financial backing they need,” he said.

“If we can recognise that the lack of funding is what can hold many of us back, then it should be one of the key critical issues to be discussed in this summit. We have our goals. Now, how do we get there? We must make affordable financing for sustainable progress a reality.

Twenty seven climate justice activist, mostly women were detained by Police Wednesday for protesting outside the Australian High Commission.

“If Australia and New Zealand really care about the Pacific as a partner, they must stand with us to call for global climate justice at the upcoming COP21 summit in Paris later this year,” said the protesters.

The peaceful demonstration included civil society organizations, women’s groups and students who urged the Australian and New Zealand governments to support the Pacific call at the COP21 summit in Paris, France in November.