In recognition of the importance of increasing public awareness of the role of the Red Cross, Law of Fundamental Principles, Four Geneva Conventions, use of the red cross emblem and the work of the Fiji Red Cross, the Society has stepped up its dissemination activities by incorporating a mandatory dissemination component in all Fiji Red Cross Society outreach activities.

Reaching out to the Grassroots

Fiji Red Cross Society has adopted an aggressive stance toward dissemination to the grassroots level, including successful presentations to various Provincial, Tikina (District) and District Advisory Councils. These Council Meetings are specifically targeted as they are attended by decision makers, or doorkeepers, to discuss issues relating to their respective province, district and even village communities.

Presentations at these meetings were the key to open doors of opportunity for the Society to carry out workshops and conduct sessions in various villages and local communities.

Internal Dissemination

The importance of equipping Red Crossers with adequate knowledge about the Movement is enhanced by awareness sessions conducted for all staff and volunteers at the National Office. Sessions are also incorporated into Branch Annual General Meetings for Branch Executives, members and volunteers.

Distribution of Information Education Communication (IEC) materials

Brochures were distributed whenever Instructors conducted courses to ensure that information about the work of Red Cross, especially the Fundamental Principles and the use of the emblem, reaches a wider audience. In addition to this, relief activities in the aftermath of natural disaster such as the 2004 and 2005 flash floods saw Red Cross brochures, especially the Fijian translation of the 'Respect the Sign' (Rokova Nai Vakatakilakila Oqo), reach the interior of Viti Levu, usually inaccessible by road and communications.

Equipping Disseminators

The International Committee of the Red Cross organised a regional workshop for Disseminators from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Fiji. The training increased Disseminators’ knowledge about the importance of dissemination, and also provided a venue for sharing ideas on how each had been conducting awareness programmes.

A follow-up workshop was conducted to review the Training Manual for Dissemination Officers in the region.

The aim is to produce a handbook that will guide Regional Disseminators in their work, targeting Red Cross members, volunteers and employees within the region.

International Humanitarian Law

"International humanitarian law, also known as the law of armed conflicts or the law of war, is the body of international rules which, in wartime, protect persons and objects affected or likely to be affected by the hostilities, and limits methods and means of warfare."

The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are the principle instruments of International Humanitarian Law, effective in times of armed conflict.