Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 38th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Solomon Islands

Statement by Australia

10 May 2021

Thank you, Madam President

Australia commends Solomon Islands for its efforts to promote and protect human rights, including combating domestic violence through adoption of the Family Protection Act.

Australia is committed to working with Solomon Islands in its efforts to enhance human rights.

Australia recommends that Solomon Islands:

1. Enhance the rights, wellbeing and safety of women by: increasing training for Police Officers on their roles and obligations under the Family Protection Act; developing a roadmap to improve accessibility of safe accommodation services for survivors of domestic violence; and adopting recommendations of the 2020 Family Protection Act Review Report.
2. Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with a Disability.
3. Ratify the First and Second Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and address gaps in The Penal Code which leave children vulnerable to sexual exploitation.
4. Strengthen democratic elections by amending the Electoral Act to clarify eligibility requirements for voter registration with respect to residency.

Thank you