Non-Government Organisations are “reaching places that are not easy to reach,” and are the “hands and feet of Government” in national development.

These were the remarks made by the Director General of Internal Affairs during the celebration of NGO Day today in Port Vila.

The event began with a parade from Independence Park to Saralana.

At Saralana, DG Leith Veremaito delivered his speech at the official program marking NGO Day.

“The local NGOs, the international NGOs, the civil society that is present , this is your day. This is a day to acknowledge the work that you do to support the development aspirations of this country. We celebrate together,” he said.

The Chairman of the Vanuatu Association of Non-Government Organisations (VANGO), Dr Willie Tokon, also highlighted that CSOs are key development partners in Vanuatu.

“This year we will focus on digital violence. It shows that Vanuatu recognises the efforts of civil society, alongside the government and police, in dedicating work to this issue,” he said.

Awards were presented during the ceremony. VBTC News spoke with one of the award recipients, the founder of the Human Rights Coalition, Anne Pakoa.

“I am humbled because I am a defender. I often feel that I work alone or fight issues without solidarity, so I was surprised by my award,” she said.

Vanuatu has more than 120 NGOs, including 10 international NGOs, 14 national NGOs, and 104 Community-Based Organisations.