Commission for Justice and Development – Caritas Pacific Islands
Caritas Pacific Islands, which is known as the CEPAC – Commission for Justice and Development was established in 1980 by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Pacific with the aim of promoting justice and development in the various dioceses in the Pacific Islands.
Caritas Pacific Islands is active in programmes addressing peacekeeping and peacebuilding, poverty alleviation, social development, protecting human rights and social justice education.
Caritas Pacific Islands is among the first agencies to deploy emergency aid following natural disasters. In 2009, after torrential rain caused massive flooding washing away homes and bridges in the Pacific Islands, Caritas targeted vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and women to ensure they have access to food, clean water and household relief kits.
In particular, Caritas Pacific Islands promotes respect for the rights and dignity of all people and aims to develop a high-profile role in social justice and development issues.
Caritas Pacific Islands secretariat is based in Suva has a staff of 10 employees and 50 volunteers. The secretariat serves the 16 archdioceses, covering 19 island states and territories in the Pacific.
Caritas Pacific Islands became a member of Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Oceania in 1983.