Solomon: Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Victims to Testify before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Solomon Islands

Honiara, 8 and 9 March 2010: The first public hearing by the Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) will be held Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

The public hearing gives victims and witnesses of crimes committed during the tensions in Solomon Islands the chance to give testimony on their experiences.

During the two-day hearing, victims and witnesses from Guadalcanal, Malaita, Western Province and Choiseul are expected to appear before the commission.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s primary function is to promote national unity and reconciliation. The tensions claimed 100 lives and displaced about 20,000 persons in Solomon Islands between 1998 and 2003.

The hearing will take place at the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) in Honiara.

The TRC is an independent body, comprising three national and two international commissioners. The Prime Minister announced the names of the Commissioners last Friday. They are: Mr. Sam Ata of Solomon Islands (Chair); Ms. Sofia Macher of Peru (Deputy Chair); Mr. George Kejoa of Solomon Islands; Mrs. Carolyn Laore of Solomon Islands; and Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi of Fiji.

The work of the TRC commenced on 15 January 2010, following its launch last year by former Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Financial and technical support for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been provided by a number of contributors, including the Governments of Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand; the European Commission; the International Centre for Transitional Justice; the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; and the United Nations Development Programme.

ENDS