A/HRC/18/8 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its eleventh session from 2 to 13 May 2011. The review of Solomon Islands was held at the 6th meeting on 4 May 2011. The delegation of Solomon Islands was headed by Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade. At its 10th meeting held on 6 May 2011, the Working Group adopted the report on Solomon Islands. 2. On 21 June 2010, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Solomon Islands: Jordan, Mauritius, United States of America. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Solomon Islands: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/11/SLB/1); (b) A compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/11/SLB/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/11/SLB/3 and A/HRC/WG.6/11/SLB/3/Corr.1). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Czech Republic, France, Latvia, Maldives, Slovenia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Solomon Islands through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of UPR. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. During the opening statement, the delegation of Solomon Islands noted that human rights was a fundamental principle entrenched in the Constitution, and acknowledged the assistance of other Governments, development partners and the civil society for progress made in promoting and protecting human rights in Solomon Islands. 6. A priority focus was peace and reconciliation since the country was still in a peacebuilding and reconstruction phase after a five-year period of social unrest which the nation had experienced between 1998 and 2003. Although a lot of emphasis was being placed on structural, legislative, social and economic reforms, the losses incurred from the unrest were still affecting the enjoyment and realization of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights by its citizens. 7. Solomon Islands was also not immune to the effects of global warming and climate change which give rise to environmental degradation, resource depletion, food insecurity, social and economic conflicts and growing poverty. 8. Solomon Islands participated in the universal periodic review with an open mind, sharing information on progress made in advancing human rights and committed to learning and benefiting from the interactive dialogue. The delegation thanked development partners for their support in preparation for the universal periodic review, in particular the Pacific Regional Rights Resource Team of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community 3