๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ฌ๐
๐๐ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐
The Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (FAFF) at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) today hosted a short but significant information session on the countryโs logging and mining policies, in collaboration with two Geneva-based delegations: Dominicans for Justice and Peace and Franciscans International.
The team is visiting Solomon Islands in the context of the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism, which requires every UN Member State to undergo a peer review of its human rights records every four and a half years. Their current mission is to assess whether improvements have been made in addressing the impacts of logging on local communities since their last visit in 2022.
Joining the Geneva-based team were local Dominican Sisters and Anglican Franciscan Brothers, who have been actively engaging with communities affected by logging activitiesโparticularly in Guadalcanal, Isabel, Malaita, Choiseul, and the Western Province.
Representatives from FAFF shared updated insights on current logging and mining policies and practices in the Solomon Islands. Speakers included Mr. Gideon Bouro, Mr. George Horoasia, Mr. Samuel Pitakaka Vazu, and Dr. Mary Tahu, Head of the Department of Environment. Their presentations covered regulatory frameworks, environmental concerns, and strategies to enhance sustainable practices in the extractive industries.
The Geneva delegations expressed appreciation to SINUโs FAFF for hosting the discussion and commended the faculty for the informative exchange. The feedback gathered will contribute to a civil society report as part of the upcoming Universal Periodic Review of Solomon Islandsโ human rights record.
The UPR, established in 2006 through UN General Assembly resolution 60/251, serves as a vital platform for countries to report on human rights developments and receive recommendations for continued improvement, guided by input from civil society, experts, and international observers.
END//