Solomon Islands Review - 52nd session of Universal Periodic Review

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues.
I here particular declare open the 11th meeting of the 52nd session of the working group on the Universal Periodic Review.
We will now proceed with the review of Solomon Islands.
Before we begin, please let me remind you that all delegations should upload their oral statements through the online system for inscriptions on the list of speakers, events before the opening of the review they intend to address.
In accordance with the Human Rights Council resolution five slash one, the review is based on the national report and the compilation of UN information and the summary of stakeholders information both prepared by the OHCHR.
I now have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency Ambassador Collin Beck, Permanent Secretary, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, to introduce the national report.
Excellency, you have the floor.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Madam vice President and I wish everyone a very good morning.
I bring warm greetings from the government and the Catia government of the Solomon Islands and the people of Solomon Islands.
Let me just make a quick apology.
Democracy is very much alive in the Solomons, and we have just had a change of government in which our government on Friday we will be electing our new Prime Minister in this regard.
I really would like to apologize to the council and to the members of the UN.
On the absence of our political leadership, but certainly for Solomans there is no daylight in terms of living up to our human rights commitments as well as obligation.
Madam Vice President, let me quickly introduce my delegation as well.
I am Collin Beck, the Permanent Secretary for the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Eternal Trade.
With your permission, I will also introduce other members of my delegation.
On my right is basically the Director of Children affairs of the Ministry of Women Youth and Children's Affair, Madame Loretta Taake.
We also have also on my far left is right is the Assistant Secretary of the UN Branch of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, John Kemakeza and our delegate who is occupying the seat seat on the floor is Martin Kwaifono who is the chargé d'affairs of our embassy in Belgium.
Um, Madam Vice President, let me thank you so much again for giving me the floor.
I have the honor really to present Solomon Islands 4th national UPR report to the working group of the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Solomon Islands values the role of the Human Rights Council and as part of the UN system mandated to uphold universal human dignity.
This open, consultative and interactive nature of the UPR mechanism strengthens our shared global aspiration to free our people from want and fear and to enable them to live in dignity.
The timing of this process is especially significant at a time when multilateralism is being undermined by unilateral action and when failures by states to observe the obligation under the UN charter weakens our collective response to those that need the United Nations most.
Madam Vice President, this process brings accountability, transparency, and credibility to our 20-year-old reform journey in terms of addressing the matter of human rights.
Solomon Islands wish to thank countries who have registered to speak at this session, and we also look forward to your intervention and to our interactive engagement.
I would like to pause and really thank countries who have sent in advanced questions.
We really appreciate that.
It makes our engagement more focused, and this is something we would like to record our appreciation on.
Let me also wish my delegation also wish to acknowledge the UPR Troika for this session, namely China, Switzerland, and Malawi for facilitating the review process.
Rest assured of Solomon Alliance full cooperation as you guide Madam President, as you guide us working with Troika through this process.
Solomon Island remains committed in upholding its human rights and UN charter obligation with you all rights as universal, indivisible, interrelated, interdependent, and mutually reinforcing.
All rights must be treated in a fair and equal manner as articulated in the UN General Assembly Resolution 60 slash 251.
We fully support the human rights principles contained in that reference resolution.
Madam Vice President, the report that I'm about to present now is basically prepared nationally in collaboration with all our stakeholders through a series of consultations and interviews.
This also includes incorporating outcomes from our 23 human rights midterm workshop.
So the outcome of that is also part of the output that we are presenting to the international community.
Let me pause and also acknowledge the support my country have received in hosting a lot of these consultations, talking to both government as well as civil society and other representative groups in terms of preparing the reports.
I basically, I would like to acknowledge the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
This is an organization in the Pacific, as well as the Pacific Island Foreign Secretariat and here in Geneva, the Commonwealth small state office, as well as the UN Regional Human Rights Office in Suva Fiji.
As you note, Solomon Islands national Report, our human rights obligation are embedded in Solomon Islands constitution.
This is the Supreme law of the country and like the UN Charter, it speaks about the rights and freedoms of the people of the Pacific.
As we have stated in the past, the rights of Solomon Islands are further complemented by various human rights Acts of Parliament as well as other legislation.
We will be referring to that during the course of during the course of this session.
Madam Vice President and members of the Human Rights Council, work on domesticating International Human Rights framework remains work in progress in the Solomon.
The introduction of new policies, legislation at various stages of maturity.
We have, as you are aware, we have signed on to a number of a number of protocols since our last sessions.
This includes the Convention on rights of children.
Certainly, we have ratified the protocols in which we are now domesticating.
So we are reviewing some of our existing legislation and that includes the Juvenile Offenders Act 1972.
This will be replaced with a youth justice bill that is compliant with child protection standards.
Similarly, amendments concerning child abuse under the Penal Code Act 2016, together with provisions under the Evidence Act 2019 to enable audio recording of children's testimony and special arrangements for children with disability are all under consideration.
So these are basically new arrangements that we are now, more or less looking at in terms of applying it in terms of domesticating some of the convention requirements.
The review, reform, and amendments of legislation for basically part of our national process as a least developed country.
We are also least developed country besides being a small island developing state, so we are trying to work within our means and the available resources that we have.
We are mindful that some of these resources reforms that we are carrying out is not moving as quickly as we would hope.
But we remain committed in being a responsible state and protecting and promoting the dignity of our people.
In this regard, my delegation and Solomons just wish to make some observation that often we are encouraged to ace and to ratify more conventions, yet we are left alone to domesticate it without any meaningful support.
Any meaningful resources in terms of trying to ensure that we live up to our human rights obligation.
But this is just an observation that we wish to share, but it is something that we will continue to do, but we will do it only within our capability and means.
We have signed on to five of the core Human Rights Convention.
With the remaining four we have not yet ratified.
Nonetheless, we will continue to uphold the spirit and purpose of these remaining convention.
We're not going to backtrack on it or we're not going to question it.
We're going to keep moving forward on this.
A case in point is that Solomon Islands does not maintain capital punishment in its laws.
For us, the UN charter affirms that the inalienable right for every state is to choose its political, economic, social, cultural, legal, and criminal justice system without interference from another state.
Debate on this matter remains on the agenda as some regard this as a law and order issue, looking at the rights of those that they are protecting and while others primarily just focus it on a human rights issue.
But the ambiguity of some of these conventions have contributed to some of these ongoing debates.
But once again, as I've said, Solomon Islands does not have the death penalty legally within its system.
On the matter of equality and non discrimination, the issue of non discrimination, the laws of Solomon Islands basically respect gender equality.
There is no discrimination when it comes to recognizing our male or female.
Health and education are fundamental human rights for us.
Health is provided free of charge to our children as well as our people.
Solomon Islands thanks all partners that have been strengthening our health and education system, in particular, China for the National Referral Hospital Comprehensive Medical Center that was handed over in 2025.
The facility MLs provides specialty care, cardiology and urology, as well as nephrology services to our people.
So these services that we used to have to travel abroad or basically try to live with.
So let me just thank China for that support to our health system.
I would like to also acknowledge Australia, really for the Naha birthing and Urban Health Center.
This is expected to be completed this year.
That center will provide not only health services to our pregnant women, but also post care as well.
This is besides having dental, pathology, x-ray, and pharmaceutical pharmacy services in parts of the Solomon, part of our capital.
So let me also thank Australia for the support that you continue to give to Solomon Islands.
I would like to also hear as well on the right to health is basically Japan for rehabilitating one of our provincial hospitals.
These partnerships that we have with partners as a least developed country, M is very important in terms of improving the overall quality of health services in our countries.
I just want to a country that I would like to acknowledge.
With regards to our education system, there is near gender parity in our primary and secondary schools.
There is also a smooth transition from primary to secondary level in terms of movement students from primary right up to secondary level.
Solomon Islands also, as you may be aware, is a Christian country and founded on Christian principles and while it is also rich in diverse culture traditions, we speak more than 87 different languages.
I have a delegation of four.
Each of us speak a different language, but we speak to each other in English and broken English.
Um, let me just say that this is why I think it is for us when we look at some of the human rights issues, we try to look at it in a traditional manner in which we define marriage in terms of between a male and a female.
We also, I can only ask that we continue to respect the particularities on our situation as reflected in the UN resolution 625250.
This is the human rights must take into consideration both the culture and the religious faith of countries.
Let me just refer to speak on the right to development.
We look at the right to development when we look at the UN Charter, it is one of the three pillars of the UN Charter.
We have development, we have security, and human rights, all interlinked and mutually reinforcing.
Certainly, for Solomon Islands, the right to development is critical to its graduation from its LDC status.
We're hoping to graduate out of ILDC status according to UN resolution by December 2027.
Um, we have put in a LDC smooth transition strategy to ensure that our graduation is resilient, sustainable, and irreversible.
Certainly, I think with the impact of global shocks and so forth, we are trying to deal with it.
The cost of energy have gone up.
We are exposed to a lot of these, but certainly we remain committed in working towards graduating out of our least developed country status.
It is important that when looking at the Solomon Islands on the right to development that we do not lose sight of like other seeds, lose sight of its special and unique sustainable development situation as a small island developing states.
The cost of development, given our multidimensional vulnerability are higher compared to other countries.
Another matter for Solomon Islands, when we talk about human rights, we're also talking about 80% of our population that relies on subsistence farming and live in the rural areas.
And only 20% of our population are also connected to the grid.
So we do have a lot of development challenges that we are dealing with, and I think the cost of energy in the Solomon Islands is basically one of the highest compared to not only within our sub region, but also within the wider Asia Pacific region.
Our states when it comes to right to development, the current focus of the government is on populars.
This is first, economic transformation, infrastructure development, human capital development, and fourth, unity and stability of the country.
On economic transformation, we are targeting sectors of the economy that instills economic growth.
Our focus is basically on agriculture, coconut oil, palm oil, fisheries, seaweed, and also in other sectors including tourism sector.
Our approach on agriculture is basically to ensure that because 80% of our population is out in the rural areas, to have extension offices space there to support farmers, provides financial incentives, and also create agribusiness hubs.
We also would like to link our products in the provinces with one of our authority, the commodity Export Marketing authority, and together with the private sector as well.
Infrastructure development is the second pillar, which basically is really about the construction.
For us, it's really about the construction of international port, constructing a second cannery for our growing population, and also having communication link with 80% of our population and with the support given by China as well, we have constructed 161 towers.
We are working on that.
Hope it should be completed by the end of, during the course of this year, very soon, 161 towers.
This is basically connecting all our islands.
We're also working with Australia in terms of having a second undersea cable, and also on renewable energy, Tina hydro that we're hoping will reduce the cost of doing business as well as creating more better conditions for our private sector to thrive.
On human capital, again, on this, we are looking at the human capital plan to address the technical and skills needed to grow the economy, both not only for the private sector, but also for public with emphasis on research and development, as well as focusing on the bulk of our population which are basically made up of our youth to advance youth entrepreneur Unity.
Finally, the unity and stability of the country rests on the contribution of the other pillars.
This is also about strengthening good governance, supporting anti corruption institution, reform institution and legislation that will also support growth.
Madam Vice President, as a small island developing state, the impacts of climate change remains a threat multiplier for us, and the frequency and intensity of natural disaster is increasing.
Just last month, Madam Vice President, Solomon Islands was hit by cyclone Mila, which came at a very heavy cost for two of our provinces and we We continue to try to mitigate and rise above the destructions that the cyclone has impacted on our people.
As a large ocean state, we are witnessing oceans that are becoming warmer and acidic and rising.
This also is impacting on our food security, water security, and our right to survival, especially for the low lying, islands, communities on islands and certainly we are already having populations from low lying islands already forced to leave their ancestral homes and moving to high raised islands.
So these are happening.
But when we look at the issue of development, we also try to tie it with the impact of climate change and the ambition under the Paris Agreement for us remains insignificantly low.
This is something that I think we are all part of that, in terms of the international community, in terms of doing more.
We can only call for greater climate actions needed and the leadership from countries that not only have historical responsibility, but also those that have resources in terms of trying to heal the declining health of our planet as we continue to confront the two other planetary crisis that is pollution and biodiversity loss.
Um, there is one thing that we need to keep working on for Solomon Islands is, it's not really about it's just when we deal with climate change, we must always remember the ICJ opinion in terms of state obligations, um, in terms of, uh, addressing the matter of climate change.
Madam Vice President, as we continue to work closely, we not only keep focusing on having a low carbon economy.
This is something that I think all the world will need to do in terms of, but I think it's getting more urgent with the ongoing energy cost of energy that is rising due to situations in West Asia.
Um, with the range, for us, I think it's more to do with getting alternatives from geothermal, looking at alternatives from geothermal, biomass, solar, hydro, et cetera.
But I think this is partnerships that for solvents, we'd like to keep working with everyone.
Um.
Building safe island is also another matter that we continue to try to work on and try to seek support for.
Um, both using nature based solution as well as hard infrastructure and climate proof infrastructure.
We do have building codes in which we are expected to have whatever infrastructure that is built, it must meet requirements, which basically to climate proof our uh, our infrastructure in the Solomon Islands.
Um, Look, we are also in terms of addressing climate change as part of the solution, we are looking at forest conservation, forest carbon trading, ensuring protection of the environment and using our Environment Act to monitor logging, which is an issue as well, unsustainable logging, that is, but we're trying to have processes in place in which to ensure that we move more on downstream processing.
Um, for the mining sector, certainly are reviewing the mines and mineral bill.
This is something that also is working in progress and trying to monitor, um the payments, royalty payments to especially the traditional owners.
I'm saying this in the sense that nearly 80% of the land and the trees are actually customer owned, and it's owned by the people.
But we tried as much as possible to provide frameworks to ensure that everyone, we try to manage whatever exploitation, it's managed in a way that in a responsible way.
But certainly, there is so much work in this particular area.
Civil and political rights, these are for Solomon Islands.
Again, we view it from a development perspective, economically empowering our people and connecting our people digitally and support for good governance, strengthening the role of, as I've alluded to earlier, anti corruption commission, supporting our growth of our security and enforcement institution, and reforming our various legislation.
Um, we remain committed in protecting the vulnerable population, vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disability.
We're doing so at a time where non communicable disease continue to have a severe impact on our population, accounting for not only seven out of ten deaths, but also the increasing number of disability with the constant amputation of those that are victims of non communicable disease, especially diabetic related disease.
We are also addressing gender violence by criminalizing acts of gender violence, and we have done that through the Family Protection Act.
Economic empowerment for women is basically the number one priority we see in terms of eliminating poverty and addressing root cause of gender violence.
Let me conclude by just stating that people remain champions of human rights.
Our extended families serve as our social security, caring for the elderly and looking out for one another.
For us also, multilateralism remains the cornerstone of all our actions.
It must work for all of us, as I've alluded to earlier, the strength of all principal organs of the UN, including the reform of the UN Security Council to ensure the council is responsive in protecting populations that need the UN most.
The time has come really also for the UN in the Pacific to move from a regional approach to a more country focused approach, one UN system.
Certainly, for us, the call of upgrading the UN office in Solomon Islands is probably more than ten years now we've been asking for this.
We hope Um, this can be looked at and especially for the UN system in which who continue to engage with us remotely, continue to engage with us from a distance.
With that, I would like to thank you once again for allowing me to present the report and I would like to pass the floor back to you, Madam Vice President.
I thank His Excellency for this statement.
We shall now begin our interactive dialogue and before giving the floor to delegations, I would like to remind you that the speaking time for everybody will be 1 minute and 50 seconds.
I wish to reiterate that issues of political, bilateral, and territorial nature should be kept out of our deliberations.
Moreover, United Nations terminology should be used when referring to states and territories.
Please be reminded that only the use of words recommend or recommendation will ensure that the relevant parts of your statements are included in the recommendation section of the working group report.
Also, allow me to recall that the Human Rights Council strongly rejects any acts of intimidation or reprisal against individuals and groups who cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations and its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights.
We will now begin with a list of speakers and the first speaker on my list is Esbtini.
You have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
The Kingdom of Sowa thanks the delegation of Solomon Islands for the presentation of this national report.
Swatini commends Solomon Islands for the progress made since its previous review, particularly the adoption of the Education Act of 2023, efforts to strengthen fee free basic education and continued investment in rural healthcare services.
We also welcome the implementation of the Child and Family Welfare Act of 2017 and measures aimed at strengthening child protection and support systems.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, it recommends that Solomon Islands one, continue strengthening implementation of the Family Protection Act of 2014 and expand support services for survivors of domestic violence, particularly in rural and remote communities.
Two, increase investment in rural healthcare infrastructure, including the training and deployment of skilled medical personnel and midwives to underserved areas.
Three, enhance equitable access to quality education by improving teacher deployment, school infrastructure, and inclusive education services for children in rural areas.
We wish the Solomon Islands every success in its review.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I will next give the floor to Finland.
Madam Vice President, Finland welcomes the engagement of Solomon Islands in the UPR.
We commend the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in June 2023, as well as the ratification of the first two optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
We recommend Solomon Islands, one, to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and it's optional protocol.
Two, to ratify the International Covenant on civil and political rights, as well as its optional protocol on the abolition of death penalty.
Three, to ensure the implementation and enforcement of laws prohibiting child marriage and to raise the minimum legal age of marriage 15-18 years without exception in line with obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Four, to expedite the establishment of a national human rights institution in line with the Paris principles.
We wish Solomon Islands a successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Georgia.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Georgia welcomes the delegation of the Solomon Islands and thanks to the head of the delegation for the presentation of the National report.
My delegation welcomes the progress achieved by the Solomon Islands since its previous review, including aligning its national legislation and policies with the international standards.
We commend Solomon Islands for ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on Sale of children, child prostitution, child pornography, and on the involvement of children in armed conflict.
Georgia welcomes Solomon Islands progress in strengthening its disaster and climate risk management capabilities, particularly the establishment of the National Disaster Management Office.
Herewi Georgia, we would like to recommend to the Solomon Islands.
First, to continue efforts towards strengthening access to inclusive education for children with disabilities and second, to further intensify its efforts towards strengthening awareness raising and education programs on climate change and its effects, particularly for women in rural and remote areas.
With this in mind, we wish the delegation of the Solomon Islands a very successful review, I think.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Germany.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Germany welcomes the delegation of Solomon Islands and appreciates its active participation in the UPR process.
We wish to express our sincere condolences in the face of the devastation caused by tropical cyclone Mia beginning of April.
We stand ready to continue to work closely together in the fight against climate change, which impacts island states in particular.
Germany commends Solomon Islands for ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children armed conflict.
Germany recognizes Solomon Islands efforts to improve the right of women and girls and the right to education.
However, significant challenges remain.
Germany therefore recommends to first further enhance the rights, well being and safety of women and girls by taking concrete measures to increase women's representation in political life.
Stepping up preventive measures against domestic violence and expanding provision of shelter and support for victim survivors.
Second, adhere to its 2024 pledge to raise the legal age of marriage 15-18 years and three, commit sufficient funding to the government free education policy and school infrastructure.
We wish Solomon Islands a very successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Guyana.
Thank you, Vice President.
Ghana warmly welcomes His Excellency Ambassador Colin Beck, permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international External Trade and his distinguished delegation to the Forth Cycle Review.
We thank you for your comprehensive report.
We commend Solomon Islands on the important developments and activities supported since the last review.
Guyana, as a fellow small Island developing state, and in a spurt of constructive engagement, proposes the following recommendations.
Collaborate with the WHU and other relevant bodies to institute policies aimed at improving and ensuring improved equitable access to health care, especially related to NCDs.
Ensure access to menstrual products for all women and girls and family planning support.
Collaborate with the FAO and other relevant bodies to institute policies aimed at improving and ensuring food and nutrition security.
Collaborate with the requisite international organizations to build and improve national capacity in addressing environmental concerns.
And we urge the OHCHR and development partners to work with and provide the requisite technical assistance to Solomon Islands to ensure and facilitate the implementation of their human rights commitments and policies.
Guyana wishes the validation of Solomon Islands every success in this process.
I thank you.
Hi.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Iceland.
Thank you, Vice President.
Iceland welcomes the delegation of the Solomon Islands and its national report.
In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following.
One, ratify the second optional protocol to the ICCPR.
Two, adopt a comprehensive law on gender based violence and ensure that survivors have adequate access to medical, psychological, and legal assistance.
Three, raise the minimum age of marriages to 18 without exception.
Four, ensure universal access to comprehensive sexuality education in and out of school settings.
Five, decriminalize and legalize abortion in all circumstances and guarantee universal access to safe abortion services.
Six, adopt a comprehensive anti discrimination legislation that explicitly prohibits discrimination against persons of diverse task.
S, decriminalize same sex relations between consenting adults.
We wish the Solomon Islands all success for its review.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to India.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
India warmly welcomes the delegation of Solomon Islands and thanks them for their detailed presentation today and appreciates its efforts to honor its obligations under the Human Rights treaties.
In the spirit of constructive cooperation, India recommends the following to Solomon Islands.
Excuse me.
Consider enacting laws relating to right to information, consider enacting laws relating to right to education, consider ratifying important human rights treaties such as ICCPR and Genocide Convention.
Consider to secure children's rights, including prohibition of child marriage.
We wish the delegation of Solomon Islands all the success in its review.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Indonesia.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Indonesia commends the efforts undertaken by Solomon Island in promoting and protecting human rights, particularly in strengthening its legal framework and advancing the rights of women and children and enhancing national legislation and institutional reform to better protect children's rights.
Indonesia also commends Solomon Island's plan to graduate from LDC status in 2027 and views the LDC smooth transition strategy as an important road map in guiding the country's development process across various sectors.
We further welcome measures taken to address the impacts of climate change, including efforts to protect affected communities and strengthen resilience.
To support Solomon Islands in improving its human rights, we recommend the following.
One, continue efforts to accede to and ratify core international human rights instruments, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention Against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and the International Convention on the Protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families.
Two, accelerate process to set up an independent national human rights institution.
Three, strengthen equitable access to education, especially for girls, children with disabilities, and those living in rural and remote areas.
Finally, we wish Solomon Islands every success in its UPR.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Iran.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the delegation of the Solomon Islands and thanks for the national report and presentation.
The Islamic Republic of Iran takes note of the Solomon Islands continued efforts to align its national legislation and policies with international standards concerning the protection of children, particularly in domestication of the CRC optional protocol through the review of its penal code.
We also welcome the Solomon Islands scheduled graduation from LDC status in 2027.
In a constructive spirit, Iran offers two recommendations to Solomon Islands.
One, take appropriate measures for realization of a balanced, comprehensive, and inclusive development that includes all segments of its fast growing population.
Two, consider further venues for enhancing oversight of police performance and ensuring their activities are strictly in accordance with the code of conduct.
Three, adopt and enforce appropriate safeguards to protect migrant workers, especially in fishing, agriculture, and construction from forced labor, non payment of wages, and standard of exploitative working conditions.
Iran extends its best wishes to the Somo Islands for the successful implementation of these recommendations and for its continued progress in the promotion and protection of human rights.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Iraq.
Should say that I will raise.
Thank you very much, Madam Vice President of the Delegation of Iraq would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Solomon Islands.
We appreciate the efforts taken and we thank the delegation for presenting the report.
We also praise the commitment to cooperate with the UPR.
In a constructive spirit, we would like to recommend the following.
First, strengthen efforts with a view of ensuring that the right to education is reflected in the Constitution and ensure inclusivity.
Two, step up efforts to strengthen role of women and participation of women in public and private life.
We'd like to wish Solomon Islands full success in this UPR.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Ireland.
President, Ireland welcomes the delegation of the Solomon Islands and takes it for its presentation today.
Ireland acknowledges Solomon Islands efforts to advance human rights domestically and notes progress made since the last UPR cycle, including its ratification of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Ireland regrets that gender based violence remains a pervasive human rights concern in the Solomon Islands.
It is important that barriers to accountability and redress for victims and survivors are removed.
Ireland further regrets the lack of formal mechanisms for women to register their customary land rights and would welcome engagement with traditional leaders in the reform of customary land tenure systems.
Ireland recommends that Solomon Islands, one, adopt comprehensive legislation to prohibit harmful practices including child and forced marriage and ensure adequate penalties, victim protection mechanisms, and accessible reporting system for such practices.
Two, adopt legislation recognizing equal rights for women to own, inherit, and transfer land regardless of their marital status.
We wish the Solomon Islands every success in the SPR cycle.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Italy.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Italy thanks the distinguished delegation of Solomon Islands and welcome its ratification of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disability and on the optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, on the involvement of children in armed conflict, and on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography.
Italy offers Solomon Islands the following two recommendations.
One, In line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, establish 18 years as the minimum legal age of marriage, including for custom marriages and strengthen actions to contrast a child early and forced marriages.
Two, repeal the criminalization of victim of incest and adopt effective measures to prevent and eliminate domestic violence, including intrafam sexual abuse against women and girls.
We wish Solomon Islands a successful review.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Jordan by video.
Okay.
Thank you very much, Madam Vice President.
My delegation would like to welcome delegation of Solomon Islands and thank the delegation for the presentation of the report during this fourth UPR cycle.
We take note of the information that was presented related to the steps to protect and strengthen the protection of human rights, especially the implementation of the right to development and to protect the environment.
As an island country and we praise efforts taken to protect the most vulnerable groups of the population, including children and persons with disabilities.
We also appreciate the measures taken in order to ensure adaptation to climate change and to reduce the impact of natural disasters and also ensure growing awareness of these problems in a constructive spirit, the delegation of Jordan would like to recommend the following.
First, continue national policies with a view of ensuring adaptation to climate change and reducing the negative impact of climate change, strengthening resilience of society and local communities to strengthen measures with a view of guaranteeing access to education in inclusive and comprehensive manner, especially for persons with disabilities.
We wish full success on islands during the UPR Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Kripti.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Cubis welcomes the esteemed delegation from the Solomon Islands, a fellow Pacific Island developing state and thanks the delegation for the presentation of their national report.
Cubis commends the Solomon Islands continued efforts to advance human rights for its people, including initiatives to strengthen climate resilience, expand social protection policies, and improve access to education for all.
We also acknowledge the state's ongoing work to promote gender equality and support women's participation in national development efforts.
With a view to support further progress, Kirbus would like to make the following recommendations.
One, continue strengthening climate change adaptation measures, ensuring that national strategies are inclusive of women, rural communities, and persons with disabilities with long term goals in place.
Two, expand and reinforce social protection systems, including support for informal workers, single parent households and communities most affected by climate related uncertainties.
Three, integrate climate risk factors into essential livelihood practices such as agriculture and fisheries industry.
We wish the Solomon Islands a successful review.
I thank you Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Lebanon.
Thank you, miss Vice President.
Lebanon extends its warm welcome to the distinguished delegation of the Solomon Islands.
We commend the Solomon Islands for its continued efforts to address the severe effects of climate change through strengthening national capacities and disaster preparedness and climate risk management.
We further welcome steps undertaken to harmonize domestic legislation and policies with international obligations relating to children's rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In the spirit of constructive engagement, Lebanon recommends that the Solomon Islands, one, establish a comprehensive legislative framework to promote, protect, and guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities in accordance with the CRPD.
Second, review and strengthen anti trafficking legislation while ensuring sufficient resources are allocated for the investigation of trafficking cases and for the provision of protection, assistance, and rehabilitation services to victims.
Three, strengthen cooperation with development partners and donors to secure dedicated funding for climate adaptation measures, including relocation and resettlement programs for vulnerable communities.
In conclusion, Lebanon wishes the Solomon Islands every success and the outcome of its universal periodic review.
I thank you, miss Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to L Soto.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The Kingdom of Lesotho welcomes the delegation of Solomon Islands and thank it for presenting its national report.
Leto would like to commend Solomon Island for its efforts in promoting women's rights and protection from gender based violence, particularly through the implementation of the Family Protection Act of 2014 and the establishment of the Safe Net Referral Network, which strengthens coordinated support services for survivors of gender based violence.
In the spirit of constructive engagement, Lot recommends Solomon Islands to One, expedite the establishment of an independent national human rights institution in line with the Paris principles.
Two, strengthen measures to combat gender based and harmful practices, including child marriage and bride price practices, while ensuring adequate protection and support services for victims.
Three, enhance access to quality education and health care services, particularly for women, girls, peasants with disabilities, and rural communities.
Lo wish Solomon Island success in its review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Malawi.
Madam Vice President, Malawi warmly welcome Solomon Islands to this review and thanks the esteemed delegation for the presentation.
Malawi is honored to be a member of the Troika for this review.
Malawi notes the progress made in the promotion and protection of human rights since the last review and commends ratifying five of the nine core human rights treaties.
We further commend Solomon Islands for the progress made on equitable access to education.
Noticing near gender balance enrollments in primary to senior secondary schools with the current ratio of male and female enrollment being almost near parity, 48.4% female to 51.6% male for the secondary to tertiary education enrollment.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Malawi makes the following recommendations to Solomon Islands.
A, consider ratifying the remaining core human rights treaties.
B, continue to align national legislation and policies with international standards concerning the protection of children and C, continue strengthening its engagement with the UN treaty bodies.
We wish to say to Solomon Islands all the best at this review and in the implementation of the recommendations.
I thank you Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Malaysia.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Malaysia welcomes the delegation of the Solomon Island and thanks His Excellency Permanent Secretary for the presentation of the Solomon Island National Report.
Malaysia recommends the Solomon Island the following.
First, expedite the establishment of an independent national human rights institution in line with the Parish principles.
Second, to strengthen efforts to ensure access to quality and inclusive education by addressing persistent barriers to education, particularly for girls and children with disabilities.
Third, strengthen measures to promote gender equality by addressing discrimination in laws, law enforcement and practices, and by enhancing women's participation in public and political life.
Malaysia wishes the Soloma Island all the success in its review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Maldives.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
The males warmly welcomes the high level delegation from the Solomon Islands to this fourth cycle review and thanks them for their presentation today.
The male recognizes the Solomon Islands constructive engagement with various international human rights mechanism.
We also commend their efforts to promote gender equality, including through the dissemination of information on women's rights across provinces and rural communities.
In a constructive spirit, the Malice presents the following recommendations.
One, accelerate measures to continue improving student retention and school completion rates, particularly for children in remote communities.
Two, Strengthen ongoing efforts to safeguard welfare of children guided by the Child and Family Welfare Act of 2017.
As a fellow Small Island developing state, the molds recognizes the particular challenges faced by the Solomon Islands, including climate change, geographic dispersion, and limited resources.
We call upon the international community to enhance cooperation with the Solomon Islands through the technical and financial assistance in line with its national priorities.
We wish Solomon Islands a successful review.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the delegation to address observations and comments that have been raised so far.
Please, you have the floor.
Thank you.
Thank you very much, Madam Vice President, and I wish to thank all delegations who have made interventions, recommendations.
These are duly noted and certainly would like to register our appreciation for the support in terms of the reform that we are undertaking, in terms of upholding our human rights obligation, both in terms of reforming both our legislation as well as our policies and programs.
On the issue of gender violence as well, certainly the delegations to thank you so much for acknowledging our Family Protection Act, which basically criminalizes gender violence and also the safe net which looks after the victims.
So we're dealing with both the perpetrators as well as the victims, and there are other matters in which have been raised by other members as well as island countries.
We appreciate that from climate change as well as to issues dealing with NDCs.
These are challenges that we continue to face.
And the call for partnership, I think is really important.
Certainly for right to education, as I've alluded to in our opening statement, this is basically open.
It's open for both every children to be educated.
But I just want to say that, I think on the matter of land issue, as I've alluded to, we're a diverse country.
We have various traditional land tenure system.
This is beside the beside the registered land.
We have a patrinal um, owned land in which the land is smallest traced through the males.
We also have matrilineal societies that practice matrilineal land which is owned by our women, our mothers, and we also have chiefly land tenure system in which it is quite structured on that.
This is beside the current one that we have is basically land registered under law.
Um, work on that is ongoing in terms of trying to keep documenting many of our lines.
So much of this and what have been said is basically development related, and this is continue to work in progress, but we can move faster with more partnership, uh, looking at our issues.
But let me use this occasion to invite my my members of my delegation really to respond to some of some of the interventions that have been made.
With that, I pass the floor to Director.
Madam Vice President, the Solomon Island delegation thanks the countries that have raised questions related to child protection, gender based violence, and women in leadership, and we welcome the opportunity to provide further information to these important priority areas.
Solomon Island remains firmly committed to strengthening the protection and welfare of children.
Following the ratification of the optional protocol on sale of child prostitution and phonography, Stomon Island has taken concrete steps to introduce its legal framework.
Amendment to the Penal Code have been proposed to strengthen penalties for offenses related to the sale of children, child prostitution, and pornography, thereby ensuring stronger protection for children against sexual exploitation.
At national level, the Child and Family Welfare Act 2017 continues to provide the primary framework for the protection of children in need of care and protection.
In addition, the National Children's Policy 2023 to 2028 provides the overarching policy framework guiding national efforts to advance the well being and rights of children in Solomon Islands.
The policy prioritize several key outcome areas, including child health, physical growth and well being, child learning, education and development, protections and safety of children from physical alarm and stress, participation and contribution of children in decision making, research, capacity building, and policy coordination.
As I speak, policy implementation and monitoring review is currently done at the moment.
The government is also currently undertaken a review of the implementation plan to strengthen coordination and improve the effectiveness on the implementation of these across sectors.
Implementation of this policy, the National Children's policy is supported by a multi sectoral coordination mechanism known as the National Advisory and Action Committee on Children.
This committee also brings together key government ministries, civil society organization, and development partners to coordinate Child Protection and Child right initiative and guide national policy implementation.
Many of these institutions represent in this committee also contribute to the national coordination process for the Universal periodic review.
In addition, Okay.
Ongoing legislative reform are aimed to further strengthen child justice mechanism in alignment with international standards and obligations.
Second, on gender based violence and minimum age for marriage.
Solomon Ireland recognized that gender based violence against remains a significant challenge and continues to take legislative policy and institutional measures to address this.
Key milestone is the Child and Family Welfare Act 2014, which criminalized domestic violence.
And also provides legal protection for survivors.
The act also covers physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse and also enable the issuance of protection orders while clearly defining the responsibility of police and the courts.
The government is also implementing the national policy on eliminating violence against women and girls, which provide a comprehensive framework for prevention for survivors support services, as well as awareness raising and institutional coordination.
In addition, gender equality and women development policy promote gender responsive public services.
Women's empowerment, improve access to justice and health services, and increase participation of women in leadership.
On age for marriage.
The government through the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Law Reform Commission and civil society partners, has developed a policy paper and drafting instruction for the proposed bill to raise the legal age of marriage in line with the international standards.
These efforts are further supported by a coordinated service through mechanisms such as the Safe net referral pathways, which link He police, legal, and social services.
Third, on women in leadership.
Solomon Island recognized the importance of promoting women participation in leadership and decision making.
Legislative efforts toward temporary special measures have progressed, particularly at provincial level.
In 2023, cabinet endorsed development of provincial level TSM legislation, and a technical working group were established to support this process.
The expected impact of these measures include creating guaranted entry points for women into provincial decision making structures, increasing the visibility of women leaders at community and provincial level, strengthening pathway for further national women leaders, and gradually normalizing women political leadership in a system traditionally dominated by men.
The government continues to consider broader measures to ensure women representation, including initiative under the Affirmative Action Strategy 2022 to 2027.
In closing, Madam President, Solomon Island remains committed to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights and values, the continued engagement and support of international communities.
May I thank you.
Thank you so much Madam Vice President, with your permission, I can invite my other colleague to just also respond to other matters where we are in terms of looking at other international conventions that we are also working towards.
With that and other issues that have been raised from the floor.
With that, I pass the floor to member of my delegation.
John, you have the floor.
Thank you very much, Permanent Secretary.
Madam President, esteemed members of the Human Rights Council, distinguished delegates of the UN member states, representatives of civil society organizations, observers, ladies and gentlemen.
Just to add on the National Human Rights institution's recommendations and comments made by L Soto and Malaysia, good governance remains central to national development for Solomon Islands.
Oversight institutions, including the ombudsman Leadership Code Commissioner anti corruption Commission promote transparency and accountability.
However, with capacity and resource constraints, the government is considering the establishment of a national human rights institution either through expanding the mandate of the Ministry of Justice and legal affairs or creating an independent body.
On that note, an enhanced collaboration with the Permanent Foreign Relations Committee is also envisaged to ensure that human rights commitments are effectively brought to the attention of legislators for consideration and action.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade plays a coordinating role in engaging with international human rights mechanisms within the country and also in facilitating reporting and follow up processes.
That is in coordination with the respective line ministries.
The government will continue to collaborate with the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights to receive technical assistance, including support towards the establishment of a national human rights institutions, which will be further strengthened national monitoring and implementation of human right commitments for Solomon Islands.
Now, on the comments on the trafficking in persons and labor protection recommendation made by Lebanon, Madam President, Solomon Islands is also taking steps to strengthen national responses to human trafficking and contemporary forms of slavery.
Efforts led by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry labor and immigration include the development of a new immigration bill the review of the Passport Act 2012 and its regulations, the facilitation of training on human trafficking and people smuggling, the implementation of illegal minimum wage, and the adoption of the National employment policy which supports improved labor standards and protection against exploitation.
These messages aim to strengthen national capacity to prevent trafficking and also to protect vulnerable workers and promote safe and fair employment practices within the Solomons.
I wish to also update that a cabinet paper on the Solomon Islands accession to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, the Antoch will be submitted to the Cabinet as soon as the government is formed, and we're expecting to have that accesssion by this year, 2026.
With that, thank you very much, Madam President.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
I'll pass the floor back to you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
I thank the delegation for the information provided, and we will continue with our interactive dialogue.
Next, I give the floor to Marshall Islands.
Excellency, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands welcomes the Excellency Columbk and the delegation of the Solomon Islands and thanks them for the presentation of the report.
As a fellow Pacific sits, we applaud the Solomon Islands efforts to build climate resilience and respond to the impacts of climate change.
In particular, we are encouraged by the 2025 submission of the Solomon Islands third NDCs, and the inclusion of children, youth, and gender perspectives in this plan.
Moreover, we commend the Solomon Islands for its recent ratification of two optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the 2006 Maritime Labor Convention as amended, which advances the human right to just and favorable conditions of work for seafarers.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, we recommend the following.
One, consider ratifying remaining core human rights instruments, including the ICCPR and the UCAT.
Two, continue investing in education with particular emphasis on expanding access to children in rural areas and remote islands.
Three, adopt a human rights based approach to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, decision making, including by promoting the meaningful participation of women and youth, and four, strengthen its effort to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates, including by improving access to nutrition during pregnancy and early life.
We wish the delegation every during its fourth UPR cycle.
Thank you to Maas Kumulta and I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Mauritius by video.
Thank you, Chair.
Mauritius extends a warm welcome to the delegation of the Solomon Islands during this fourth cycle of the UPR.
We express our appreciation to Solomon Islands for its constructive engagement in the UPR process, which is a core pillar in the protection and promotion of human rights.
As a cities with inert vulnerabilities like Mauritius, we welcome the Solomon Islands national climate change policy, which outlines the strategic actions to be taken to address the impacts of climate change and use of the response to enhance economic growth and resilient development.
A constructive spirit, Malicious recommends that the Solomon Islands accelerate its efforts towards the establishment of international human rights institutions and adopt necessary laws to ensure the right to education and the provision of at least 12 years of free primary and secondary education.
We wish Solomon Island a successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Mexico.
Thank you very much, Madam Vice President.
I would like to thank Solomon Islands for being here with us and for presenting the report and we recognize the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child relates to the participation of children in armed conflicts in a constructive and respectful manner.
Mexico recommends the following.
First, ratify the International Covenant on civil and political rights.
Two, as a follow up to our recommendations that we made during previous cycles to raise the minimum age for marriage to 18 years without exceptions and promote policies to prevent and combat sexual and labor exploitation of children.
Three, promote sustainable management of natural resources and invest in sustainable food systems that make it possible to guarantee the right to food for persons and food security of communities.
We wish Solomon Islands full success during this review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Montenegro.
Montenegro welcomes the delegation of Solomon Thailands and its constructive engagement with the UPR mechanism.
We share concerns about negative effects of climate change on effective fulfillment of economic, social, and cultural rights, in particular, sea level rise, displacement, and environmental degradation.
We welcome the authorities ongoing activities with international partners on adaptation, resilience, and protecting livelihoods.
We encourage the government to continue to further seek for international technical and capacity building support in order to improve the institutional and legal framework for human rights, including the establishment of a comprehensive anti discriminatory framework and monitoring mechanisms and increase its succession to the core human rights treaties and subsequent reporting.
Montenegro recommends the following.
One, to enact additional legislation introducing requirements for all political parties to include a mandatory minimum percentage of women on their electoral ballots as an additional step towards equal participation of women in public and political life.
Two, to enact legislation strictly prohibiting corporal punishment in education settings.
We wish Solomon Allen a successful UPR and thank you Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Morocco.
Good.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
My delegation wishes to thank the delegation of Solomon Islands for the presentation of their national report.
Morocco welcomes the efforts of government of Solomon Islands to protect and promote human rights, including the ongoing process of creating a national human rights institution.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, my delegation wishes to make the following three recommendations.
One, complete ongoing efforts to establish a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris principles.
Second, consider ratifying the UN Convention Against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading csonment or punishment.
Three, consider establishing a national mechanism for implementation, reporting, and follow up on the basis of Marrakesh on the basis of the Marrakesh Guidance framework on NMIRFs.
We wish full success to the delegation of Solomon Islands in this review.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Namibia.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Now maybe I extend a warm welcome to the delegations of Salmon Island and thank them for presenting the national report.
We commend Salmon Island for ratifying the conventions on the right of persons with disability.
In the constructive spirit, we recommend the following.
That one, establish an independent human rights institution in line with Paris principle, two, adopt and implement the national action plan for the implementations of the UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women peace and security, and then three, ratify the International Covenant on civil and political rights.
We wish the delegation a successful review.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Nepal.
Madam Vice President, Nepal warmly welcomes the delegation of the Solomon Islands to the fourth cycle of UPR and thanks them for presenting the National Report.
We appreciate the constructive engagement of Solomon Islands with the International Human Rights mechanisms and its efforts to implement the recommendations of previous cycles.
Nepal welcome Solomon Islands ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its accession to the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict.
Constructive spirit, Nepal offers the Solomon Islands the following three recommendations.
One, consider establishing an independent national human rights institution in line with the PE principles.
Two, scale up efforts to promote gender equality and to enhance political representation of women in all space.
Three, strengthen measures to enhance access to quality education and health care services for all.
Nepal wishes the Solomon Islands all success in its UPR.
I thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to the Netherlands.
President.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands thanks to the delegation of the Solomon Islands for the presentation of its national report.
The Netherlands commends the Solomon Island government for taking steps to develop the first national prevention strategy to end violence against women and girls.
Building on existing efforts, the Netherlands encourages further measures to protect and strengthen the rights of children and minority groups.
In the spirit of constructive cooperation, the Netherlands recommends, one, to strengthen legal and policy frameworks to prevent and respond to violence and harmful conduct, including acts motivated by sexual and gender based discrimination.
Two, to amend the Islanders Marriage Act 1945 to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 without exception.
The Netherlands wishes to Solomon Islands success with the follow up of all recommendations it receives during this UPR cycle.
Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to New Zealand.
Madam Vice President, we warmly welcome the delegation from Solomon Islands.
We welcome the focus Solomon Islands has placed on strengthening its institutional human rights framework, including progress towards establishing a national Human Rights institution, ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and optional protocols to the Convention of the Rights of the Child.
New Zealand recommends that Solomon Islands, one, raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 years.
Two, ratify the International Covenant on civil and political rights.
Three, strengthen political participation for women, such as through the adoption of temporary special measures for provincial government assemblies.
Four, decriminalize same sex relationships.
We thank the delegation for its participation today and wish them a successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Paraguay.
Thank you, Vice President.
We would like to greet the delegation of Solomon Islands and thank them for their participation in this cycle.
We appreciate their efforts in promoting human rights, and we encourage them to redouble all necessary measures to tackle persistent challenges in the implementation of their obligations.
With all due respect, we recommend one, to consider ratifying the International Human Rights instruments that have not yet been ratified in line with the recommendation we presented in the previous cycle, particularly the International Coven on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention Against Torture and their cruel inhuman degrading treatment or punishments, the International Convention on the Protection of all Persons from enforced disappearances, and the second optional protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with a view to the abolition of death penalty.
Two, to join efforts to eradicate pernicious practices that perpetuate discrimination, trafficking and trading of women by adopting a new national action plan against trafficking in persons and improving the implementation of the Family Protection Law.
Three, to remove legal barriers to guarantee and enshrine the right to education in the Constitution, ensuring at least free elementary and secondary education that is compulsory for children up to the age of 12, raising the minimum age of employment to 15.
Four, to consider establishing a national implementation mechanism for human rights mechanisms with the possibility of receiving cooperation to that end.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Portugal.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Portugal expresses its gratitude to the delegation of the Solomon Islands for the presentation of their national report.
Portugal commends the ratification by the Solomon Islands of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, an important step towards strengthening equality, inclusion, and the protection of persons with disabilities.
We also welcome the ratification of the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, fundamental to enhance the protection of children against exploitation.
In a constructive spirit, Portugal recommends that the Solomon Islands, one, continue to advance the process towards the establishment of a national Human Rights institution in accordance with the Paris principles, and two, consider ratifying the optional protocol to the International Covenant on economic, social, and cultural rights.
Portugal wishes the Solomon Islands a successful review.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Romania.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Romania welcomes the delegation of Solomon Islands and appreciates the engagement with the UPR process.
The current constitutional reform process provides the opportunity to enshrine in the Supreme law of the country all fundamental rights, including non discrimination, gender equality, and the right to education.
Romania encourages Solomon Islands to step up ongoing efforts to protect human rights in the country.
In this regard, we would like to recommend the following.
Amend the Islanders Marriage Act of 1945 to increase the minimum age of marriage to 18 years.
Adopt legislation to ensure mandatory, universal, and free access to primary and secondary education.
Romania wishes Solomon Islands success in this UPR cycle.
I thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Russian Federation.
Thank you, Vice President.
We thank the delegation of Solomon Islands for the report they presented.
We welcome the work to strengthen legal instruments to protect human rights, in particular, adopting new laws to implement the recommendations during the third UPR cycle.
We note positively efforts to develop legislation in the human rights sphere and to constantly improve its effective implementation.
However, in Solomon Islands, a lot remains to be done in the human rights sphere.
We're concerned about delays in birth registration, in particular in the capital and also The fines which have been implemented for the non timely compliance with this.
We are also concerned about women's access to legislation, access to justice.
We recommended Solomon Islands to step up establishing a national human rights institution in line with the Paris principles and to make sure that there is free primary education and to strengthen education throughout the country.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Rwanda.
Madam Vice President, you welcomes the esteemed delegation of Solomon Islands to its fourth EPR cycle and thank the delegation on presentation of the National Report.
We commend Solomon Islands for its continued commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights through the ratification of five out of nine core International Human Rights instruments, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that was ratified in June 2023.
Being also eligible to graduate from developed country LDC status, Rwanda comms the Solomon Islands on its eligibility to graduate from LDC status scheduled for 2027 and welcomes the establishment of smooth transition strategy in 2025.
The strategy reflects a forward looking and resilient framework aimed at ensuring a sustainable transition and strengthening the country's capacity to address post graduation challenges.
In a speit of constructive dialogue, Rwanda offers three recommendations.
One, Continuous strengthening investment in climate resilient infrastructure and community based disaster preparedness, including early warning system and sustainable recovery mechanism.
Ensure healthcare infrastructure and essential services to ensure equitable, quality and sustainable free healthcare services to all citizens, accelerate inclusive access to quality education and targeted support for children with disabilities and rural communities.
Randa wishes Solomon Islands a successful view and stand ready to extend experiences and lessons learned as both countries advance their respective pathways towards graduation from LDC status.
I thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Samoa.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Sawa warmly welcomes the delegation of Solomon Islands, and we thank them for their presentation and their continued engagement in the UPR process.
We commend Solomon Islands to the establishment of the Inclusive Education Implementation and monitoring committee to improve the implementation of the inclusive education policy.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Sam Wo offers the following recommendations to Solomon Islands.
One, seek assistance from development partners to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and meteorology to enhance climate mitigation and adaptation measures.
Two, consider developing a risk assessment and strategy to address the impact of climate change and the cultural rights of local communities.
Thirdly, continue efforts to establish a single standing national mechanism for implementation, reporting, and follow up with the support of OHCHR, the Commonwealth Secretariat, or other partners.
We wish Solomon Islands all the success for this review.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Se Sel.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Seychel welcomes a distinguished delegation of Solomon Islands, a fellow state and thanks it for its continued engagement with the UPR process as well as for the presentation of its report.
Seychels commends Solomon Islands for establishing a national Disaster Management Office to coordinate preparedness, response and recovery efforts.
We also take note of the Child and Family welfare System multi sectoral implementation plan, 2025, 2030 operationalized in 2025 that provides a coordinated national framework to strengthen prevention early intervention, case management, and service delivery for children across government and key stakeholders.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Sy Suls offers the following recommendations to Solomon Islands.
Strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Environment, climate change, disaster management, and meteorology to conduct robust and effective environmental impact assessments, including through site visits by independent experts.
And secondly, expedite the adoption of the Youth Justice bill to provide a clear framework for addressing cases involving children age ten to 14 who are held criminally responsible.
Sychars wishes Solomon Islands a successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you, Excellency.
Next, I give the floor to Slovenia.
Thank you, miss Vice President.
Slovenia welcomes the engagement of Solomon Islands with the UPR process.
We note progress in disseminating information on women's rights, but remain concerned about persistent structural and cultural barriers that hinder the full enjoyment of these rights, particularly for rural and marginalized women.
Slovenia recommends that Solomon Island strengthen access to justice and protection for women by expanding legal aid services nationwide, enhancing gender sensitive training for law enforcement and judiciary, and effective implementation of legislation addressing gender based violence.
Slovenia further recommends accelerating legislative and policy reforms to guarantee substantive gender equality, including ensuring equal rights to land and inheritance, eliminating harmful practices such as bright pride, and adopting comprehensive measures to increase women's participation in political and public life.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to South Africa.
South Africa is absent.
Next, I give the floor to Spain.
Thank you, Vice President.
Spain would like to greet the delegation of Solomon Islands and thank them for their participation in this review.
We sincerely appreciate the explanations they are providing here in the room.
We would like to congratulate Solomon Islands for maintaining their strong commitment to the abolition of the death penalty, there being no executions there since their independence.
We also understand the challenges of the impact of climate change that they have shared with us.
Spain recommends, one, to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, its second Optional Protocol, and the Convention Against Torture.
Two, to reform the Criminal Code to decriminalize consensual same sex relations, eliminating any type of discrimination and stigma against the LGBTI plus community in line with regional trends and international standards.
Three, to strengthen the fight against gender based violence by fully implementing the family Protection Law, and eliminating mitigating circumstances based on traditional customs in cases of violence.
Four, to adopt laws that criminalize discrimination of persons with disabilities and guarantee physical access.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Switzerland.
Thank you, Vice President.
Switzerland would like to welcome the delegation of Solomon Islands and make the following recommendations.
One, to improve the inclusion of human rights in their climate change adaptation strategies and disaster risk reduction strategies, mainly through preventive actions and increased protection of vulnerable communities.
Two, to increase prevention efforts and efforts to combat gender based violence.
Three, to improve access to justice, namely in rural remote areas, while guaranteeing an environment that is favorable to civil society.
Thank you.
Togo.
Simon.
Thank you, Vice President.
The Togouese delegation would like to cordially welcome the delegation of the Solomon Islands and thank them for their report.
Togo welcomes the cooperation of Solomon Islands with the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations and we take note of the efforts that have been made to promote and protect human rights in the country.
Constructively, we recommend One, to ratify the main international human rights instruments that have not yet been ratified, namely those on civil and political rights, combating torture and related treatment, the protection of all persons from enforced disappearance, as well as the protection of migrants and members of their families.
Two, to take all necessary measures in order to establish a national human rights institution in keeping with the Paris principles.
Three, to guarantee gender equality, especially in the area of employment, education, and land and succession rights, including customary matters.
We wish the delegation every success in this review.
Thank you.
Merck.
I will now give the floor to the delegation to address observations and comments that have been raised so far.
Please.
Thank you.
Thank you very much, Madam Vice, P and let me just respond to a number of questions and I thank not only all delegations, but also fellow ESS members, Eland Strong and also the Pacific sids and my other Pacific neighbors.
Let me just begin with also give me an opportunity to make some clarification.
For Solomon Islands in our traditional and customary arrangements, access to land is by birth.
It's not something that we deny anyone.
So if there is any clarification on that, we can happily do that in terms of elaborating.
On for us also when it comes to traditional marriage, it actually brings the tribe together and try to strengthen our bond.
I'm just stating this in the sense that in the opening statement when we made our statement, 80% of our land is basically custom, traditionally owned, and this is where it is.
We basically look after our population in that way.
There were also interventions made on health and education just to also clarify that on health and education, while we say that especially on health, these are offered free, but both these two sector takes the largest chunk of our national budget.
So we actually provide for that and certainly these matters.
There's been a number of interventions on the Islanders Act.
This is something that we inherited, when we gained political independence, it's something that we need to amend.
It is a shared one, rest assured this remains front center of our of our eyesight in terms of trying to address that.
The issue of climate change and we thank all countries who have responded to that, you know, trying to for us to keep responding to that not only in mitigation adaptation, but also disaster preparedness.
We can only thank our partners really also for supporting us, especially in the disaster area.
We are building humanitarian warehouse both within the capital.
This is support from Australia, as well as in one of our provinces.
This again, support from our regional organizations.
But I think on the issue of climate change, I think it is important that the right to survive somehow we need to tackle.
We can keep adapting, but there is a point where if we don't do much and take more climate action, the impact the issue relating food security, water security will go from bad to worse.
So this is something that I wish to register.
On women representation, within our national parliament for the national parliaments, 8% of our representative parliamentarians elected women, but certainly we need to do more and we certainly hear comments on that.
But I think in the earlier presentation, we are looking at addressing this, especially looking at the provincial level.
Certainly, the establishment of a national institution, this is well noted, um, and also acceding to various the remaining, core human rights conventions.
On the matter, I think that was raised also by Paraguay and death penalty, as I've stated that we don't have that legally.
We have never practiced that since we gained political independence.
I just want to make that clarification so that we come away on an understanding on that Um, Certainly, I think in much of the matter in terms of dealing with also not only gender violence, I think these are things that we continue to deal with, but I think we should also not only look at the symptoms of some of these problems, but we should try to look at the root causes of them.
And I think this is where we are trying to keep economically empowering our people, especially our women.
I think this is something that we we, um, uh, um, try as much as possible to do it.
I think we come from a country where the growth of the population is 2.4%, which basically I think when it comes to number of youth annually, we are talking about 25,000 and we're trying to ensure that they have jobs and provided not only for schools and for the quality of life is maintained.
But with that, let me just pause and also invite my other colleagues if they wish to add anything else, director.
Thank you.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank countries that have raised questions with regards to health, education, and probably persons with disability.
I'll just add on in addition to what a The delegation chair have already highlighted, but I just want to add more additional on that.
We welcome the opportunity to provide this important information.
Salmon remains strongly committed to improve the access of quality education and services for all, which is free, including our adolescents, as well as persons with disability.
In the areas of health, the government continued to strengthen adolescence and well being, including the access to information and services on sexual and reproductive health.
These efforts aim to ensure that our young people are better informed and supported to make safe and responsible decisions, including measures to help them to prevent unintended pregnancies, gender based violences, as well as sexual transmitted infections.
Madam President, in the area of health sector, Solomon Island as well continues to promote equity access to quality education through policies that support compulsory and inclusive basic education.
Progress has also been made to increase school access while strengthening school infrastructures, including sanitation facility and safe learning environment.
Solomon Island government also recognized the importance of inclusive education.
Measures are being implemented to increase the participation of children with disabilities in mainstream schools, including the development of inclusive education guideline as well for teachers training, and also to strengthen support mechanisms within the educational system.
A However, we also acknowledge the enrollment of children with disabilities remain low and further efforts, we do acknowledge that need to address these barriers to fulfill the inclusion in education.
Madam President, I would also like to add on a bit on a commitment to disability inclusion through the ratification of the Convention on the right of Convention on the Rights of P with disability, which are already been commended.
The government is currently implementing the National Policy on inclusive Development P 2023 to 2031 and the National Rehabilitation Strategy Plan 2020 to 2031, which that gives effort to strengthen disability inclusion across sectors, including health and education as well.
Solomon Island remain committed in committing reforms and partnerships to ensure that all children and young people, including those living in rural areas and those with disability, have equitable access to health services, including the quality education.
I thank you, Madam President.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
I'll just pass the floor with your permission, Madam Vice President to one of my colleagues as well.
Thank you, Permanent Secretary.
Madam President, just to comment and give more information on the recommendation made by CTLs on environmental and sustainable logging, Reforms are underway to sustainably manage declining forestry resources with a long term goal to phasing out around log exports in favor of sustainably processed timber.
Solomon Islands currently has the following in place as commitment to addressing the conservation and protection of fragile habitats against deforestation and forest degradation and strengthen sustainable forest management practices to protect human rights related to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
The Solomon Islands and National Forest Act 2020 was endorsed with seven forest policy strategies and 17 goals, which aims to conserve, protect, and manage the forest resources in the country and also to attain inclusive economic and sustainable forest management.
Solomon Islands have completed drafting of the review of the current Forest Act.
The IFR TU Act 1969, amendment and submitted to the Cabinet for deliberation for endorsement as a means to improve inclusion for adoption of sustainable forest resource management.
Downstream processing and reforestation are currently highlighted as forestry policy strategies into maintaining the sustainable management of the downfall of the natural commercial wood flow currently experienced in the country.
Solomon Islands continue to support the implementation of the sustainable logging policy 2018 and enforcing the compliance and monitoring of logging operations in minimize environmental degradation.
Currently, there's a review team working on reviewing the Solomon Islands plantation regulations draft for recommendations to the Attorney General Chambers for drafting instructions.
The Ministry of Forestry and Resource research, working closely with the Ministry of Environment and Climate change and Disaster Management under the Climate Change Division, co chaired with the Global Green Growth Institution in developing the Solomon Islands carbon trading policy, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, 2026.
Salmon Islands also has a regulation that has restricted logging operations above 400 meters altitude as a means for protecting the source of water catchments and biodiversity is currently implemented and enforced.
Salmon Islands is also currently working on other related regulations for drafting instructions such as the 8% milling quota, the license renewal regulations, forest clearance regulations, and the Salmon Islands Timber Processor Association.
Finally, but not least, Solomon Islands also continues to review and develop regulations for enhancement of compliance for addressing minimal forest degradation by supporting the REDD plus mitigation program and production of the forest reference level 2019 based on 2001 to 2017 historical forest cover assessment and currently working on the 2018 2030 forest cover assessment.
With that, I thank you Madam President.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
I will not speak more on this.
This is in relation to the matter of same sex.
I think in my opening statement, I did mention that and the UN resolution.
Basically, whenever we talk about human rights, I think we should always take into consideration the cultural as well as the religious belief of countries.
I think with that, I'll leave that and pass the floor back to you, Madam Vice President.
I thank His Excellency and the delegation for the remarks and we will resume our interactive dialogue and I give the floor to Ukraine.
Excellency, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam President.
Ukraine welcomes the delegation of Solomon Islands and thanks it for the presentation of its national report.
We recognize the country's commitment to human rights protection and promotion and note the efforts taken by its authorities to improve this institutional and legislative framework for human rights.
Ukraine encourages Solomon Islands to continue making further progress and would like to offer the following recommendations.
First, to accede to the convention relating to the status of stateless persons and the Convention on the reduction of statelessness.
Two, to establish an independent national Human Rights institution in full compliance with the Paris principles.
Three, to finalize, adopt, and implement without further delay the National action plan for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 13 25 on women peace and security in cooperation with representatives of women's civil society organizations and women human rights defenders.
Four, to expedite the adoption of the new national action plan against trafficking in persons and ensure that it took into account gender specific dimensions of trafficking and allocate adequate human, technical, and financial resources for its effective implementation.
We wish Solomon Islands a successful review.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to United Kingdom of Great Britain, another line it.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
The United Kingdom commends Solomon Islands progress in implementing recommendations from its last review, including efforts to combat violence against women and girls through the Family Protection Act a national policy to eliminate violence against women and girls of 2021 to 2027.
We also we also welcome steps Solomon Islands has taken to raise awareness of CEEDAR at provincial and community levels and the increased integration of gender perspectives in the context of disaster risk management planning.
Recommend that Solomon Islands builds on this positive progress by, one, amend the Marriage Act of 1945 to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 years.
Two, adopt the Revised Forestry Bill of 2004 and the Mineral Resources Bill of 2025 to safeguard the land rights of local communities against mining and logging.
Three, establish a national human rights institution in line with the Paris principles, including by seeking technical assistance.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to United Republic of Tanzania.
Tanzania.
Thank you, Madam President.
We are not ready.
Okay.
Then next, I give the floor to Uruguay.
Thank you, Vice President.
Uruguay, I would like to welcome the delegation of the Salmon Island and thank them for the presentation of the report and for the explanations that they have provided here today.
We welcome the efforts that have been made in implementing the recommendations from the previous cycle.
Constructively, we recommend, one, consider the ratification of the Convention on Violence and Harassment number 190 of 2019 of the ILO.
Two, to develop and implement a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate violent discipline against children through community awareness raising campaigns, positive parenting programs, and strengthening of child protection systems.
Three, to ensure the implementation and enforcement of laws prohibiting child marriage, including the development of a national action plan to eradicate child marriage and four to decriminalize consensual same sex relations between adults and enact legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in all settings.
We wish Solomon Islands a successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Van W.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
FANTu welcomes our brothers from the Solomon Islands, our neighboring Man, and Pacific smaller and developing states.
We commend them for their continuing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, promote community based governance, and uphold human rights despite uncovering development challenges and vulnerability to climate change.
FNA to recognize the process made in areas such as access to education, the advancement of gender equality policies, and efforts to address corruption.
We particularly welcome initiatives aimed at strengthening the justice system and enhancing the protection of women and children.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Fanatu respectfully offers the following recommendations.
First, continue to strengthen messages to combat gender based violence, including through improved access to support services and effective implementation of existing legislations.
Second, enhance efforts to ensure equitable access to quality education and health care services, particularly from rural and remote communities.
Third, continue to integrate human rights based approaches into climate resilience and disaster risk reduction strategies, recognizing the profound impact of climate change on livelihoods and fundamental rights.
Final two wish is the delication of Solomon Allen a one, a successful UPR.
Thank you too much.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Venezuela.
Hi.
Thank you, Vice President.
We would like to cordially welcome the delegation of Solomon Islands and thank them for their presentation.
We recognize the efforts that the country has made in spreading information about the Convention on the elimination of discrimination against women in rural provinces and areas, as well as progress in creating legal assistance offices.
Additionally, we trust that Solomon Islands will continue to move forward addressing pending challenges, improving protection of women and girls from gender based violence and harmful practices, guaranteeing access to justice throughout the territory, and promoting an inclusive legal framework that respects diversity and prevents statelessness.
Constructively, we recommend, one, to increase the pace of the creation of a national human rights institution in keeping with the Paris principles with a broad mandate and sufficient resources and to harmonize national legislation with the international treaties that have been ratified, including decriminalizing same sex sensual relations.
Two, to promote the adoption of a comprehensive law to combat gender violence that criminalizes its various types, guarantees accessible shelters, provides free legal assistance, and improves the training of judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials with a gender perspective.
Three, to improve access to education, health, and justice in rural areas, decentralizing the birth registration services, eliminating sanctions for late inscription, and guaranteeing inclusive education for girls and persons with disabilities.
We wish you successfully PR.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Vietnam.
Madam Vice President, Vietnam welcomes the delegation of Solomon Islands and thanks it for the presentation and its national report.
We commend Solomon Islands progress in advancing human rights through legal and policy reforms, including the ratification of the CRPD, strengthen psych and family welfare systems, efforts to expand inclusive and fee free education, and measures to enhance climate and disaster resilience as a small island developing state.
In a constructive period, we now offer the following two recommendations.
First, continue to strengthen inclusive and equitable access to education to improve school infrastructure, teacher training, and targeted support for children in rural and remote communities.
Second, further enhancing climate resilience and disaster risk reduction to stronger community based preparedness, resilient infrastructure and support for vulnerable communities affected by climate change.
We now we see Solomon Island continued success in this EPA process.
And thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Armenia.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Armenia thanks the delegation of Solomon Islands for the presentation of its national report.
We welcome progress in advancing gender equality, including the implementation of national gender equality and women's development policy, as well as initiatives aimed at addressing gender based violence.
We also note positively the steps taken to improve access to education and health care services.
While recognizing progress, we respectfully recommend one, enhance access to quality education and health care, particularly for rural and remote populations.
Two, step up efforts for establishment of national human rights institution in line with Paris principles.
Three, consider taking steps to ratify the Genocide Convention, which we constructively recommended during the third cycle of the UPR.
Armenia wishes Solomon Islands a successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Australia.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Australia warmly welcomes the delegation from the Solomon Islands and thanks the delegation for its presentation.
Australia welcomes the Solomon Islands efforts to strengthen human rights since its last review, including its ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities and the first and second optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Australia is committed to working with the Solomon Islands in its efforts to enhance human rights.
Australia recommends that Solomon Islands, one, implement initiatives that advance the temporary special measures announced to increase women's representation in provincial leadership, replicating nationally where possible.
Two, fully operationalize reforms outlined in the Education Act, and three, ratify the Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime.
We wish the Solomon Islands a very successful UPR.
Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Bahamas.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
The Bahamas thanks the delegation of Solomon Islands for its presentation and constructive engagement with the UPR process.
As a fellow small Island developing state, we understand the profound and interconnected challenges posed by climate change, environmental degradation, and natural disasters, particularly for coastal and rural communities whose livelihoods, food, security, and cultural heritage are closely tied to the land and sea.
The Bahamas therefore commend Solomon Islands for the adoption of its national climate change P 2023 to 2032 and notes ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.
With a view to encouraging further progress, the Bahamas respectfully recommends that Solomon Islands, one, continue to strengthen climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction policies, including through community driven and rights based approaches to relocation coastal resilience, ecosystem restoration, and access to climate finance for vulnerable and remote communities.
Two, ensure that logging and mining activities are conducted in a manner consistent with human rights obligations, including through inclusive consultations with affected communities and measures to mitigate environmental and social harm, particularly for women, children, and rural communities.
And three, consider any support needed toward the ratification of the UCAT and seek technical assistance and capacity building support toward becoming a state party to this and other core human rights instruments.
The Bahamas encourages Solomon Islands to continue seeking technical assistance and capacity building support.
In line with its national priorities, and notes that the Convention Against Torture Initiative stands ready to cooperate with the Solomon Islands if deemed helpful.
We wish the Solomon Islands every success in this review process.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Bangladesh.
Thank you.
Madam Vice President, Bangladesh welcomes the distinguished delegation of the Solomon Island and thanks the delegation for the presentation of its national report.
We commend the government for its continued commitment to the promotion and production of human rights of its people.
Despite its unique challenges as a small island developing state, the Solomon Islands has made significant progress in many areas, including in reducing inequalities, infrastructure development, agriculture, and disaster management.
In a spirit of construct of cooperation, Bangladesh would like to recommend One, continue its efforts to establish a national Human Rights institution in line with the Paris principles.
Two, ratify the Outstanding Core International Human Rights Instrument, particularly the International Covenant on civil and political rights.
Three, extended measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls and further promote gender equality and women empowerment.
Four, continue investing in health, education, skill development, and job creation.
We wish the delegation a productive review.
I thank you, Madam Vice versa.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Botswana.
Madam Vice President, Botswana is pleased to participate in the review of Solomon Islands and commend the government to Solomon Islands for their continued engagement with the universal periodic review mechanism.
We welcome progress made in strengthening national frameworks for human rights, including efforts to disseminate information on the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
Botswana proposes three recommendations to further advance the promotion and protection of human rights in Solomon Islands.
One, accelerate efforts to establish a national human rights institution with a clear mandate and adequate resources to enhance accountability and support implementation of treaty body recommendations.
Two, introduce legal reforms and address discrimination of rural women, women with disability, and other marginalized groups.
Three, strengthen implementation of Family Protection Act through systematic training of law enforcement and service providers, expansion of access to shelters and psychological support and improvement of mechanisms for issuing and enforcing protection orders, especially for women and girls in remote areas.
Botswana wishes Solomon Islands a successful review outcome.
I thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Brazil.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Brazil welcomes the delegation of the Solomon Islands and commends the progress achieved in the promotion of the right to education, notably through the adoption of the Education Act 2023 and Education Regulations 2024, which represents significant steps towards universal access to basic education and the institutionalization of compulsory schooling.
We also praise the country's efforts to enhance its disaster and climate risk management capabilities.
Brazil encourages the Solomon Islands to strengthen access to justice, including by expanding legal aid services and increasing the capacity and geographic coverage of the Public Solicitor's office in order to ensure adequate legal assistance for vulnerable groups.
In a constructive spirit, Brazil would like to recommend that the Solomon Islands one adopt legislative and administrative measures to ensure equal rights for women in relation to land ownership, inheritance, and transfer, including by adopting legislation that guarantees gender equality regardless of marital status, and by establishing mechanisms to register women's rights under customary and land registration systems.
And two, decriminalizing sex relations between consenting adults and take concrete steps to safeguard the right to be free from all forms of discrimination, including violence and intolerance based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
We wish the Solomon Islands an excellent review.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Canada.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Canada thanks Solomon Islands for participating in this cycle of the Universal Periodic Review.
Canada recommends that Solomo Islands, one, establish an independent national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris principles.
Two, establish and fund shelters and survivor support services for victims of sexual and gender based violence, including psychosocial and legal assistance, particularly in rural regions.
And three, decriminalize sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex and prohibit discrimination on all grounds, including on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
In closing, we welcome the positive steps taken by Salmo Island to support children's well being through the launch of the National Children's Policy in 2023 and the Child and Family Welfare System Multisexual Implementation Plan in 2025.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Shia Thank you very much, Madam Vice President.
Chile would like to welcome Vgation of Solomon Islands and welcome the adoption of the National Policy for Inclusive Development for Persons with Disabilities 2022, 2031.
In constructive spirit, Chile recommends the Solomon Islands first ratify the Convention Against Torture and other inhuman treatment amend the marriage law in order to establish 18 years as the minimum legal age for marriage without exceptions and legally sanction the facilitation of these marriages in accordance with the Convention Against the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Three, amend the Penal Code to decriminalize consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex by repealing Articles 16161 and 162 of the penal code.
Four, ratify the Roman statute of the ICC and adopt the necessary legal reforms to enable the incorporation and effective application of the treaty into domestic law, including the provisions relating to crimes against humanity.
Five, strengthen the effective implementation of current legislation to prevent and punish gender based violence through the allocation of adequate resources and the establishment of safe and stigmatization free reporting mechanisms which guarantee victims effective access to justice.
We wish the Solomon Islands full success.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to China.
F.
Madam Vice President, the Chinese delegation welcomes the constructive engagement of the Solomon Islands in the UPR process.
We also welcome Solomon Islands ratification of an accession to some important international instruments, as well as its active efforts in advancing legislative reform, sustainable development, gender equality, the rights of vulnerable groups such as children and persons with disabilities and combating trafficking in person.
China wishes to make two recommendations.
First, to increase input in public sectors such as education and health in order to better safeguard people's right to subsistence and right to development.
Second, to continue measures to combat gender based violence, eliminate late discrimination against women and girls, and steadily enhance women's representation.
China wishes Long Islands every success in its UPR process.
I thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Colombia.
Thank you very much, Madam Vice President of Colombia I would like to welcome the distinct delegation of Solomon Islands on the occasion of the fourth cycle of the UPR.
Colombia wishes to congratulate the Solomon Islands on the adoption of national policy on the elimination of violence against women and Girls 2021, 2027 and having ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Constructive Spirit, we recommend take necessary measures to ensure the full equal and meaningful participation leadership of women in disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response to adopt the necessary measures, legislative and financial measures to promote access to education for young people that do not go to schools and also ensure that at least one a year of preschool education is free of charge.
Three, decriminalize consensual relations between adults of the same sex.
Four, develop a national legal framework to provide legal protection to refugees and asylum seekers in territory of the country in line with the Refugee Convention of 1951.
We wish Solomon Islands full success during this UPR.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Costa Rica.
Thank you very much, Madam Vice President, Costa Rica, thanks the Solomon Islands for the presentation of national report and for cooperation with the UPR in the constructive spirit, we recommend adopt special measures, for example, quotas and the preferential promotion of women in order to ensure real gender equality and representation of women, especially in public and private life, education, employment, economic empowerment, health institutions, access to land and other productive resources, to strengthen access to justice for women, especially those in situation of vulnerability, through broadening legal assistance that's free of charge and accessible throughout the territory.
Ensure institutional strengthening of public defenders and build capacities of the justice system with a gender focused.
Three, adopt legislative measures to combat trafficking in human beings.
Four, eliminate child marriages, establishing 18 years as the minimum age for marriages without exceptions, and guarantee its effective implementation through measures of prevention, protection, and punishment.
Costa Rico would like to wish Solomon Islands the effective implementation of the recommendations that the country accepts.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Cuba.
Wet.
Thank you very much, Madam Vice President.
Good morning.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to the loation of the Solomon Islands and recognize the commitment of the country with the UPR.
We recognize the progress achieved in the area of gender equality, school enrollment in primary and secondary schools, as a result of the implementation of the Educational Framework, 2016, 2030 and National Education Plan, 2022, 2026, we highlight the positive impact of the creation of the National Office for Natural Disaster Management related to preparedness, response and recovery in the face of natural disasters produced by climate change.
In a constructive spirit, I would like to make the following recommendations first.
Continue to provide free of charge health services to the entire population of the country and guarantee that this attention includes populations living in remote areas to continue efforts to reduce school dropouts and equitable access to education, especially for students from remote and rural areas.
We wish Solomon Islands full success during this review and in the implementation of accepted recommendations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Cyprus.
Thank you.
We warmly welcome the delegation from the Solomon Islands and thanks for the presentation of the report.
We commend the progress made to develop and align national laws and policies with international commitments, especially as regards advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, as well as strengthening the legal framework against child exploitation.
Whereas progress has been made regarding gender based violence, it remains one of the most severe and persistent human rights challenges with disparities existing in areas such as education, employment, economic empowerment, and access to maternal health services.
Cyrus would like to offer the following recommendations.
One, consider establishing a national human rights institution in line with the Paris principles, and ensure technical assistance is used to strengthen the inter ministerial committee responsible for implementation.
Two, amend legislation to comprehensively address all emerging and intersecting forms of violence against women and girls, including through awareness raising programs aimed at eliminating patriarchal attitudes and gender stereotypes.
Three, expediate the adoption of a national action plan and the comprehensive law of trafficking in persons.
Four, strengthen access to inclusive education for all, especially persons with disabilities and those living in rural or remote.
Areas.
F, strengthen awareness raising and education programs on climate change and its effects and implement targeted programs to ensure climate adaptive agricultural training.
We wish the Solomon Islands a successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Dominican Republic.
Thank you very much, Madam Vice President.
The Dominican Republic would like to thank Solomon Islands for the presentation of the national report.
We recognize the sustained commitment with the promotion and protection of human rights, especially the signing and ratification of five human rights treaties.
As cs from the Caribbean, we share the common challenges in the protection of populations in situations of vulnerability and bringing our legislative frameworks in line with international commitments on human rights and combating climate change.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue and solidarity, I would like to recommend the following, continue to implement International Human Rights Instrument, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Two, continue consolidating national programs and policies to ensure more effective adaptation of the population to the impact of climate change.
Three, consider the application of standard operating procedures to support the detection and effective protection of victims as well as investigations, prosecutions, and convictions in cases of trafficking of women and girls.
Four, amend legislation to guarantee at least one year of free of charge preschool education and 12 years of primary and secondary education that is free for all children.
We wish Solomon Islands full success.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Estonia.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Estonia welcomes the delegation of Solomon Islands to its fourth UPR.
Estonia commends Solomon Islands commitment to human rights and the meaningful progress made in advancing rights of persons with disabilities since the last UPR.
We welcomed the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the ratifications of two optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Estonia recommends Solomon Islands to one, amend the Island Marriage Act to raise the minimum legal age of marriage 15-18 years without exception, in line with obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Two, decriminalize same sex relations.
Three, expedite the establishment and oppozation of national Human Rights institution in line with the Paris principles.
Four, ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights and its optional protocols.
We wish Solomon Islands a successful review.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Gambia.
President, we welcome the delegation of Solomon Islands and commend its constructive engagement with the UPR process.
We welcome Solomon Islands ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in June 2023 and commend its efforts to expand access to education, including through the introduction of the primary preparation year for 5-year-old children and policies supporting universal and free basic education.
We also welcome ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection, disability inclusion, climate resilience, and access to basic services, while noting persistent challenges linked to geography resources and institutional capacity.
In this spirit of constructive dialogue, the Gary recommends the Solomon Islands, one, establish an independent national Human Rights institution in full compliance with the Paris principles.
Two, strengthen protection and support services for victims of domestic violence and gender based violence, including through full implementation of the Family Protection Act.
Three, accelerate legal reforms to protect children, including raising the minimum age of marriage to 18 and finalizing child justice reforms in line with international standards.
We wish Solomon Islands every success in implementing recommendations from this review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Philippines.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
The Philippines welcomes the distinguished delegation of the Solomon Islands.
We commend the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the optional protocols to the Convention, the Rights of the Child on Sale of children and the involvement of children in armed conflict.
The Philippines also recognizes the significant steps taken to advance climate action, including adaptation and disaster risk reduction measures as well as support for vulnerable communities notwithstanding capacity and resource challenges.
In a constructive spirit, we offer the following recommendations.
One, effectively promote women empowerment by facilitating participation in decision making in public affairs, expanding economic opportunities, and guaranteeing equal rights to land ownership and inheritance.
Two, improve birth registration by removing administrative and financial barriers, particularly for children in remote areas, indigenous communities, and disadvantaged groups, and step up efforts to address gender based violence through intensive campaign awareness, targeted human rights training for law enforcement in the justice sector, and access to legal aid and survivor centered services.
Philippines wishes Solomon Islands all success in this review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Tanzania.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
The United Republic of Tanzania welcome the Solomon Iceland to this 52nd review session.
We applaud the institutional framework and the policy measures adopted to advance the rights of women and recommend continued effort towards achieving gender equality, particularly in employment.
We also commend the Solomon Iceland for efforts to strengthen the right to freedom of opinion and expression and recommend hasty measures to prevent the spread of harmful online content, in the appropriate legal action against those who are responsible for creating and disseminating such content.
We further recommend measures aimed at guarantee the right to work and just to justy favorable condition of work and recommend continued efforts to improve working condition for persons with disability.
The Tanzania wish the Solomon Iceland a successful review session.
Thank you.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker on my list for this review, and I now give the floor to His Excellency to address observations and comments that have been raised and to make final remarks.
Excellency, you have the floor.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Madam Vice President.
I just want to thank all those that have made constructive recommendation, including the United Kingdom on the forestry build and mining and also other recommendations on issues relating to gender violence.
Certainly, I think on health as well, I think that is an ongoing issue in which have been made by several delegation and on this point, I just want to to recognize and appreciate countries who have been supporting us in training our medical doctors.
For us, we don't have a national institution that basically do many of these training.
We have to send all our students abroad and I want to acknowledge Cuba.
More than 100 of our doctors uh, back in rural areas are all Cuban trained and we just want to register that.
But currently we have doctors in Papua Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, in China as well.
But I think this is something that going forward, you know, right to health, I think we seek more partnership.
We really seek more partnership in terms of, uh, um, if any countries that can offer medical scholarships, I think we will take that on.
It will enhance the quality of life of our people.
Mr.
Moore will listen.
I think it's more to do with also ensuring that 80% of our population out in the rural areas, well looked after as well.
Um, there is also mention on transnational organized crime legal framework.
This is something that we are committed to to sign on to, and certainly I will invite my colleague to a little bit speak more on this going forward.
But the matter relating to climate adaptation, um, relocation, et cetera, these are certainly, um, matters that we not only have frameworks in terms of addressing them, but it needs also more partnerships on this.
Basically, with our process, I think it will be good when we start to look at if we keep having this periodic review, we must also try to think about having a partnership arrangement in terms of supporting countries who need help, that we can do more.
Otherwise, we will keep mentioning some of these things and probably for us, it's the fourth cycle and we certainly still need, coming back to the fifth cycle.
We hope that probably education, our health sector could also further supported going forward.
But I once again thank all delegation if I can just invite my colleagues that they wish to address any other issues, and then I can probably pass the floor back to Madam President before I make some closing remarks.
I want to say anything.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Just in addition to the trafficking in person and labor protection, just to add on additional information on that.
Solomon Island has continued to take on steps to strengthen their national responses on human trafficking and contemporary forms of slavery.
Efforts are being made by the ministry responsible, the Ministry of immigration and these are some of the tasks that are currently in progress, the development of the new proposed immigration bill, the review of the Passport Act 2012 and its regulation, the facilitation of training on human right trafficking and pas smuggling, the implementation of legal, um, minimum wage, as well as the adoption of the national employment policy which support improved labor and standards, as well as protection against exploitation.
These are just in addition to the issue on trafficking in person.
Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Probably with your permission, I can now probably present some closing remarks.
My closing remark is really from our heart, from the Solomons.
We thank you all for not only your presence, your contribution and your interventions, and also the constructive recommendations that have been raised.
I wish to also acknowledge and thank Vice President really for the manner you have led us through the through the process and thank you very much for this participatory process.
But certainly, I think as we move forward, I think we need to also look at other mechanisms that can help.
I think this is something I want to once again stress because I wish coming all the way from the other side of the I wish I had an opportunity to start talking about partnerships on some of the things that have been raised because I think it is important that we look at that.
Secondly, with the Troika, the Council troika, we certainly look forward to engagement with you.
I think it's probably today as well as during the course of the week but in the usual manner, what delegations you have registered, we will keep working with the process and once we receive the recommendations that come through, we will return home and consult all our stakeholders and more or less try to respond to that.
But certainly, I think there are some and we love this process in the sense that it keeps us working forward, keeps us moving in a progressive way.
The issue of minimum age and really for some of us, we really want our system to move faster on this.
And I think this is something that we will take back to our capital in terms of trying to ensure some of these get, you know, action happens.
Very quickly.
As we go forward as well, I just want to say that we need to keep supporting the multilateral system.
For small island developing states like Solomon Islands, we need this.
We need this and we really want to call the UN system.
Please, try to break with business as usual.
For the last four decades, you have always remained abroad.
We want you to be in our country.
We want to see enhancement of UN presence so that we can keep working together on this with a country own driven and led process.
But as long as on the final matter I wish to raise is just the matter for us as small island developing states, climate change.
Climate change, I think, is something that we really need action.
And if we don't do much, it basically defines our future and undermines not only SDG goals, but also undermines gains made on the human rights front.
We really have this one planet, so let us step up, step forward, and really take more climate action.
I just close on this particular matter by just thanking not only all of you, but also to the solidarity of those from my particular region and I want to thank you.
I think I let me just use this time really to thank Kris, Kamari, Marshall Islands, Ecor, New Zealand, Giorana, Somewhat To fa lava, one or two, M one talk and to Australians.
Good day mate.
With that, I pass the floor back to you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you Thomas.
Thank you, Your Excellency, and of course, the delegation for your presentations today and your active constructive participation in this review and for your call for more multilateralism.
The report of the review will be presented by the members of the troika, namely representatives of China, Malawi, and Switzerland.
In accordance with the procedure implemented in 2015, the recommendation section of the report is scheduled for distribution by email on Wednesday, May 13 at 6:00 P.M.
In addition, let me recall that according to presidents statement PRSDs OS slash 19 slash one adopted on December 8th, 2025, the recommendation section of all reports of the working group will be considered for the adoption on Friday, May 15th, in the last meeting of the session from 2:30 P.M.
The full report, including the summary section, will be distributed by email on Friday, May 22, 2026.
This brings us to the end of our meeting.
We will reconvene this afternoon at 2:30 P.M.
For the review of Latvia.
Speaking time will be 1 minute and 25 seconds for all states.
Allow me also to remind that inscribed speakers who wish to withdraw from the list are kindly invited to use the online system event for withdrawals at at least 30 minutes before the start of the review.
I hereby close the 11th meeting of the 52nd session of the working group on the universal periodic review.