CONSULTATIONS ON 2nd CYCLE UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW STARTS

The National Government has begun consultations for its Second Cycle Universal Periodic Review report in Honiara today.

The UPR is a state-driven process where each State reports on what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to fulfil their human rights obligations.

Speaking at the meeting this morning, the new Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs George Palua said Solomon Islands is expected to respond to over one hundred recommendations this year.

“On the 4th of May 2011 the Solomon Islands delegation presented its First Cycle Report to the Human Rights Council in Geneva. During the interactive construction dialogue, Solomon Islands Government was given a set of 115 recommendations from UN member states who are part of the UPR working group, of which only two were not accepted. Solomon Islands will be expected to report on its progress in implementing these recommendations in this Second Cycle.”

The Permanent Secretary also said Solomon Islands has made important progress with the human rights situation in the country.

“During the last four years we have made important progress with the Human Rights situation in our country. These have occurred as many of the human rights issues that you will be discussing in the next two days have been and continue to remain top government priority for our people. This is why your participation and your inputs for the next two days will play such a vital role into our country report to show that progress and where not, the trend and the challenges faced by our government.”

The Second Cycle Universal Periodic Review report for Solomon Islands is expected to be submitted by October this year.