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<p class="MsoNormal">Dear People and Government of Vanuatu,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On behalf of the Board, Members and Staff of the Pacific Disability Forum, I am writing to express my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the people of Vanuatu, particularly to those individuals with disabilities and their families
who reside in Vila and those who have been profoundly affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck on December 17th and 18th (this morning), 2024. Our thoughts are with you during this incredibly challenging time. The impact of these natural disasters
is immeasurable which often lead to profound emotional, psychological, and physical consequences and financial strain for individuals and communities.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Pacific Disability Forum stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Vanuatu, as you work through the challenges posed by the recent earthquakes. We recognize that individuals with disabilities and their families often
face additional challenges in disaster situations, including barriers to accessing emergency services, assistive technology, healthcare, information and safe shelter. PDF wishes to advise that it is essential that the needs and rights of persons with disabilities
are prioritized in response and recovery efforts both by the Government of Vanuatu and her partners.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We commend the resilience and strength demonstrated by the people of Vanuatu in particular persons with disabilities in the face of adversity. While planning for emergencies interventions and rebuilding your communities, we urge all stakeholders;
government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community and faith-based leaders to ensure that inclusive practices are at the forefront of all response and recovery initiatives. This includes providing accessible information about available resources
and support services.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In this time of crisis, it is crucial that we come together as a Community of Pacific Islanders to support one another. PDF stands ready to provide essential technical support tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities during response
and recovery efforts. This includes guidance on accessible communication methods, ensuring that information reaches all community members effectively. PDF also assists in developing inclusive disaster response plans that consider the specific needs of persons
with disabilities, thereby enhancing their safety and well-being during emergencies.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As Vanuatu embarks on its journey towards response and recovery efforts, prioritizing inclusivity and equity will not only strengthen community ties but also ensure that no one is left behind in this critical process. By fostering an environment
where every individual has access to necessary resources and support services, Vanuatu will emerge from adversity stronger than ever.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Please know that you are not alone; our thoughts and prayers are with you as you work towards healing and rebuilding your lives. Together, we can foster an environment where every individual is valued, supported and protected.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With deepest sympathy,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#215F9A;mso-style-textfill-fill-color:#215F9A;mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha:100.0%">For and on Behalf of
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Sainimili Tawake (Ms) </b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Chief Executive Officer </b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Pacific Disability Forum</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Ground Floor, Kadavu House, Victoria Parade</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">GPO Box 18458, Suva, Fiji</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:black"> </span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Tel: +679 331 2008; +679 773 0200</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Mob: +679 899 0134</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Fax: +679 3310469</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Email: </span><span style="color:black"><a href="https://outlook.office365.com/mail/options/mail/infor@pacificdisability.org" title="infor@pacificdisability.org"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#0C64C0">infor@pacificdisability.org</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Web: </span><span style="color:black"><a href="https://outlook.office365.com/mail/options/mail/www.pacificdisability.org" title="www.pacificdisability.org"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0C64C0">www.pacificdisability.org</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#002060">Facebook: </span><span style="color:black"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PacificDisabilityForum/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#0563C1">Pacific
Disability Forum</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#002060">Twitter:
</span><span style="color:black"><a href="https://twitter.com/PDFSEC" title="https://twitter.com/PDFSEC"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#0C64C0">@pdfsec</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:black"> </span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:black"> </span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;background:white"><b><i><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Organisation in special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Commission since 2012.</span></i></b><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><i><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">The information contained in this email message is intended only for the addressee(s). If you <b>are</b> not the intended
recipient, you must not use, disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it, including any attachments. If you receive this email in error please notify the sender immediately</span></i><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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