38th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Solomon Islands

Thank you, Madam President.

The United Kingdom welcomes steps taken by Solomon Islands to promote and protect human rights, such as improved access to justice and increased awareness of the provisions of the 2014 Family Protection Act. We urge the Government to improve implementation of this legislation, by strengthening police and prosecutorial process, to increase conviction rates.

We urge the Government to protect media freedom by ensuring all legislation, including legislation governing emergency situations, enshrines the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

We recommend that Solomon Islands:

1. Ratify Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 before the next review;

2. Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections;

3. Establish an Independent National Human Rights Institution with “A” status, in conformity with the Paris Principles, before the next review.

Thank you, Madam President.