‘We Still Have Work to Do’: Young UNICEF Advocate Speaks for Children Nationwide

By Alfred Pagepitu

A young UNICEF advocate has used the national broadcaster -SIBC to remind leaders and communities that while Solomon Islands has made important progress on children’s rights, many children are still missing out.

Thirty years ago, the country made a promise to its children, when it acceded to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in April 1995.

Speaking on SIBC’s Breakfast Show recently, UNICEF Pacific Wayfinder in Solomon Islands, Walter Koroa described the 30-year milestone as both a celebration and a call to action.

“Celebrating 30 years of the CRC reminds us that children in Solomon Islands have rights—to be safe, to go to school, to be healthy and to participate in decisions that affect us,” Koroa said. “But it also reminds us that we still have work to do to make sure every child benefits, not just those living close to services.”

The 17-year-old advocate acknowledged progress made over the past three decades in education, health and child protection, crediting government leadership and support from development partners for improved services and stronger laws for children.

“More children are accessing early childhood education, health services have improved, and fewer babies and children are dying compared to before,” he said.

Koroa adds that increased birth registration and updated legislation are helping to better protect children.

He also welcomed pledges announced by the Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Hon. Cathy Nori, during World Children’s Day and her recent national address on SIBC. Among the most significant commitments, Koroa said, is the plan to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 for all.

“That commitment will help protect both girls and boys,” he said, noting the importance of strengthening child protection systems, improving national data, and safeguarding funding for essential services such as education, health and water.

Despite the progress, Koroa said many children, particularly in rural and remote communities, continue to face serious challenges.

“Some children still walk long distances to school, some families struggle to access clean water and health services, and violence against children still happens,” he said.

“Climate change is also making life harder for schools and communities through flooding and rising sea levels.”

Koroa stressed that children’s voices must be heard in national decision-making, saying meaningful participation leads to stronger policies and better outcomes.

“We don’t just want to receive help,” he said. “We want to help shape the solutions.”

He called on government, partners, NGOs, CSOs, Faith-based organisations and communities to continue working together to ensure every child in Solomon Islands is protected, supported and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.

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