Newsletter, News

CID Weekly: Budget 21, Samoan elections, IP waiver for COVID vaccines

Posted on 25 May 2021

Development & Humanitarian News

+ Vaccine roll out dashboard - last 7 days

The above graph shows the rolling 7-day average of COVID vaccine doses administered per 100 people for selected countries.

For more information go to  Our World in Data. 
 
+ Election and constitutional crisis in Samoa

Samoa’s Prime Minister-elect Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has been locked out of the Pacific nation’s parliament after her political rival, outgoing Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, refused to cede power despite losing a general election in April.

Mata’afa arrived at the Pacific nation’s parliament yesterday accompanied by judges, ready to form a new government and take the oath as the country’s first female prime minister. 

Barred from entering the legislative chamber, Mata’afa and members of her FAST party held an ad-hoc oath-taking ceremony in a large marquee in the gardens of parliament, as supporters sang hymns and police looked on.

In a statement released this morning, UN Secretary-General António Guterres "[urged] the leaders in Samoa to find solutions to the current political situation through dialogue in the best interest of the people and institutions of Samoa." The statement goes on to say that the UN "stands ready" to provide support for the island nation - but only if requested to by the two main political parties.

Meanwhile, the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia of the new leadership; releasing a statement shortly after the swearing-in ceremony saying it recognises the legitimacy of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand is not in a position to intervene as Samoa's two major political parties continue to battle it out for power. Ardern said New Zealand encouraged "all parties and political leaders" to uphold the election outcome and the decisions of institutions including the judiciary, and the rule of law.

 
 
+ A small increase aid - 'sort of'
 
Budget 2021 saw a modest increase in aid, although this is likely to be swallowed up by inflation, and is primarily focused on funding operational capacity rather than an increase in actual aid to the Pacific, or those countries suffering the worst of COVID.
 
“Aid increased nearly 11% in the current financial year, but that is primarily making up for an under-spend in the financial year prior to that. Next year aid is budgeted to increase by just 0.7%,” says Terence Wood of New Zealand Aid and Development Dialogues.

Aid will increase by about 3% a year over the following two years. With inflation taken into account, the real increase will be less.
 
Making sure we have funding for experienced staff and the capacity to deliver effective aid is important. But we were hoping to see an increase in real aid too, to support those countries still suffering COVID break-outs.

New Zealand’s aid makes up 0.33% of GNI (Gross National Income), well below the global commitment of 0.7%. 

That equates to less than $1 for every $100 of government spending.
 
 
+ Assessing the damage in Gaza

With the recent ceasefire, there is now time to evaluate the damage. The list is long for Gaza, including 17 hospitals and clinics (including the only coronavirus test laboratory), sewage systems, a desalination plant, electricity grid, and dozens of schools have been damaged. There is concern about overcrowding in the buildings that have not been damaged, and a rapid spread of COVID that is not being monitored or reported.

There are appeals for humanitarian corridors to be protected as an essential part of the ceasefire, with trucks carrying medical supplies and relief workers being recently turned back.

MFAT released a statement last week reiterating that Aotearoa New Zealand remains committed to a two-state solution, and to a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
 
 
+ IP waiver for COVID vaccine likely
 
An waiver of intellectual property (IP) rights for COVID vaccines is looking more likely after the United States threw its support behind demands from developing countries to IP rights for COVID vaccines.

The IP waiver would allow developing countries to manufacture or import generic vaccine doses without the permission of the patent-holding firms.

A temporary waiver of vaccine IP would not destroy the incentive to innovate (the argument against a waiver), as its only being sought in the context of a once-in-a-century global pandemic.

'The WTO rules already recognise the need to circumvent IP for humanitarian reasons, following the shameful debacle two decades ago over access to HIV/AIDS treatments. However, proponents of the waiver say the existing WTO flexibilities are too cumbersome and inefficient, hence the need for a general waiver to cut through,' writes Roland Rajah of the Lowy Institute.

But this is no panacea.
  • Supply of vaccines is limited, waiver or no waiver
  • COVID vaccines are technically complicated, especially for the new mRNA vaccines. Techanical support is needed to produce the generic versions
  • Capacity to produce more vaccines just might not be there.
Moral of the story - rich countries still need to share what they've already got. 

'Developing countries need far greater access to already available as well as near-term vaccine supplies.'
 
+ The CID Weekly is Proudly Sponsored By
Direct Impact Group supports organisations to maximise their social impact, because changing the world isn't easy, and in dynamic times this work is more important than ever.
 
+ 'The Only Way Is Up' - New report
 
Discrimination, violence and exclusion is experienced by people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities (aka LGBTIQ+ people) before, during and after disasters and conflict.

A new report by UN Women and Edge Effect (and others), The Only Way Is Up: Monitoring & Encouraging Diverse SOGIESC Inclusion in the Humanitarian and DRR Sector, shows that the humanitarian and DRR systems often fail to acknowledge or address the discrimination, violence and exclusion experienced by people with diverse SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics).

This leaves people with diverse SOGIESC to find their own solutions; at worst, it reinforces violations of human rights.

See information below to join the online CID Workshops on Social Inclusion and Diversity.

When: 2nd & 3rd June
Where: Zoom. Register here. 
 

Members Activities & Updates

+ Welcome two new CID Affiliate Members - PCANZ & NPH NZ

               

We are thrilled to announce that Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand & NPH New Zealand have joined the CID whānau as affiliate members. 

PCANZ Global Mission’s policy is to work in relationship with partner churches. These relationships mainly stem from historic mission activity, with the exception of Myanmar which is a more recent connection. Their key relationships are with the Presbyterian Churches in Vanuatu and Myanmar and the Church of North India. They also work closely with the Presbyterian Churches of Taiwan and South Korea, and the PCANZ is a valued member of several ecumenical networks of churches throughout the Pacific and around the world.

NPH New Zealand is a fundraising branch of an international charity, NPH (Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos) which helps vulnerable children and families across 9 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

NPH strives to create a loving and safe family environment for vulnerable children living in extreme conditions. Through comprehensive education, healthcare and nutrition NPH give the children the opportunity to develop their potential, shaping better futures for themselves, their families and their communities.

+ LAST CHANCE - sign petition for Modern Slavery Act now

Help make slavery in Kiwi supply chains history.

World Vision and Trade Aid, with the support of other CID members are asking for one last sprint to get signatures before the petition closes in a few weeks.

Over 100 businesses have joined the call, alongside thousands of New Zealanders.

Sign for freedom and share with your audiences as widely as you can.

+ United Nations Association NZ AGM

The UNAZ AGM will take place on Saturday 26 June from 10:30am until 12:00pm

The meeting will take place on Google meets- you can access the meeting here (save this link).

If you have any questions please contact office@unanz.org.nz 

+ MFAT Pacific Regional Four Year Plan

Last reminder that MFAT are hosting a public town hall talanoa in Wellington to get your thoughts on New Zealand’s development work and partnerships in the Pacific.

Wellington: This Friday 28th May 11-12pm MFAT, Level 12, 195 Lambton Quay. Register here today.

+ Office Space available with Anglican Mission

Anglican Mission are seeking a tenant for a ground-floor office (25m2) in a recently strengthened historic building on Mulgrave Street, Thorndon. Situated between Archives New Zealand and Old St Paul’s Cathedral, the office has been re-carpeted and painted and is only a 3 minute walk from the Station.

You can view the space here, and it has great morning sun, views toward Mt Victoria, and comes with a shared toilet and kitchen. There is also opportunity for parking for one car. Anglican Missions, a CID member agency, occupies the room next door. If you’re interested in having a look, please email Michael Hartfield  or call on 021 913 219.

If you would like to share your organisation's jobs, events, or recent activities, please send an email to office@cid.org.nz with an outline of the activity so it can be added to the next edition of the CID Weekly. 
 

Pacific News in Brief 

+ Final Report on Pacific Humanitarian Team Covid-19 Response Plan

By global comparison, the Pacific has been largely spared from the health impacts of the COVID pandemic. Launched in May 2020, the Pacific Humanitarian Team COVID Humanitarian Response Plan represents the international relief response to the impact of COVID in the Pacific.

From a humanitarian perspective, COVID continues to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. Job losses and diminishing livelihoods strain communities’ access to quality food, nutrition, healthcare, and education. With lockdowns and resulting heightened tensions in homes, women, and children in particular are at greater risk of violence and abuse.  The plan encompassed all humanitarian sectors, with the final report (dated April 2021) is available here.

+ Tonga makes steady progress on vaccination rollout 

Tonga's Ministry of Health have confirmed that 93 percent of the first batch of Covid-19 AstraZeneca vaccines has been used.

After the arrival of doses earlier this month, nearly 26,000 people have received their first shot including around 1,600 people on 'Eua who were vaccinated last week.

There have been no extreme allergic reactions reported on either Tongatapu or 'Eua.

+ Livelihoods must be front and centre in Solomons
 

The Western provinces of the Solomon Islands have long relied on sea grape harvesting for their livelihoods, reports Nithin Coca in Devex.

'In a region with one of the country’s most biologically rich ecosystems, these small green bubble-like plants grow alongside mangroves, and for decades were a key source of income as they could be sold at markets.'

But according to the World Wide Fund for Nature Pacific Solomon Islands, they had been mismanaged and over-harvested.

That changed with the establishment of a Locally Managed Marine Area in 2016, which saw rules on how, when, and how much can be harvested, and a strict two-week ban for those who do not abide by community rules.

Getting the balance right between looking after livelihoods and community, (and making sure reserves are locally-run), while protecting endangered species is more important than ever in this COVID era.


 
 

Useful Links, Webinars & Podcasts

+ Watch CIDTalk: Legal Preparedness for Disasters in the Pacific 

In this CID Talk, Pacific Disaster Law experts Gabby Emery and Meiapo Faasau from International Federation and Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies share their work with IFRC Disaster Law in the Pacific, and explain the current disaster risk governance trends and opportunities in the region, to ensure that laws and policies better protect and include those most at risk.


Watch the recording here.

+ CID Workshop: Social Inclusion and Diversity - 2nd and 3rd June

Practical, on-line workshops of 2x two-hour zoom sessions.

Workshop one will focus on connecting the dots between pre-emergency marginalisation and how it impacts experiences and choices of people with diverse SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics) in both international development and humanitarian contexts.

Workshop two will focus on discussing the strengths, gaps and challenges we are seeing in the development sector in terms of social diversity and inclusion. Focusing on key elements in enhancing development and harmonising partnerships; including our obligations to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, concerns around racism in development, and how can we overcome and dismantle these in our practices, as well as having the difficult conversations cultural safety in mind.
 
Wednesday 2nd June 12:00pm - 2:00pm NZST and Thursday 3rd June 12:00pm - 2:00pm NZST

Please register here.

+ CID Members Advocacy Roundtable

The roundtable is a chance for CID members to get together and discuss joint advocacy in terms of:
  • A shared understanding of what advocacy means for the sector (as opposed to mobilising, campaigning, marketing, or educating?)
  • What different organisations do advocacy and mobilisation on (key priorities)
  • The target audience; government and/or the New Zealand public (or others, eg business)
  • How different organisations could best collaborate on advocacy campaigns, or join in on, or promote existing campaigns
  • Determining some communication channels and next steps
  • Role of partners in-country in advocacy?
The roundtable will also be a great chance for the advocacy leads of different organisations to get to know each other.

Location: In person, Wellington
Date: 1-5pm Wednesday 16th June 2021
Please register here.
 
+  Reach out to us on:
  • Do you have any events coming up that everyone should know about?
  • If you would like to join the Manaaki discussion group (if you are applying for round three)?
  • Want to understand more about SOGIESC rights and international development (see the social inclusion and diversity workshop above)?
  • CID Conference - would you be interested to run a session?
  • Interested in being a part of the Humanitarian Network?
  • Do you work with any great NZ partner organisations in international development who should join the whānau as Affiliate members?
Contact us at office@cid.org.nz
 
+  Events