Human Rights Council
Twenty-third session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights,
including the right to development

Summary

The Caritas Annual Report shows our work in 2012 through five strategic priorities identified during the year: addressing poverty at home and abroad, responding to emergencies, upholding the dignity and rights of indigenous peoples, promoting environmental justice, and connecting effectively with our Catholic community.

Public donations topped $3 million last year, including a record Lent total of more than $900,000. We are grateful for the government’s New Zealand Aid Programme which contributed almost $1 million towards Caritas development and relief programmes.

The plan was drafted by the Solomon Islands Government and humanitarian partners and was presented to donors on 7 March. SB$24 million of funding requirements remain unmet. A further SB$30.8 million has been identified for reconstruction activities. While emergency shelter and WASH needs are being met, the costly medium and longer term reconstruction of homes and rehabilitation of water systems will require additional funding.

Highlights

• Town water supply to Graciosa Bay and Lata has been repaired.

• Lata wharf is operational but will require further repairs to ensure its long term safety and functionality.

• Access to safe water supply and sanitation and displacement of affected communities remain main concerns.

• The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has reported increasing amounts of antisocial behavior

Aftershocks are preventing people from returning their home. Drinking water is the most acute need.

Highlights

· Solomon Islands Government has declared a State of Disaster for Santa Cruz Islands in Temotu Province

· Nine people have been confirmed dead

· 700 households have been affected, displacing 3,500 people

· The first relief supplies along with assessment and medical personnel arrived in Temotu Province this afternoon

Situation Description:

Australia and the World Bank Group Partnership: Unlocking potential, achieving results

This report highlights the achievements of the Australia – World Bank Group Partnership.

Unlocking potential, achieving results - online version

Headline results in 2012

• Access to finance provided to more than 500,000 people in the Pacific.

Situation Description:

Flash Floods and Landslides affected parts of Makira Ulawa Province. This was the result of very heavy rain that was experienced in the Province over the weekend of Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd of June 2012. There has not been any major weather related reasons that analysts from Solomon Islands Met Service could verify as to the cause of the heavy rain.