A/HRC/32/14
Immigration Act in 2012 and the Immigration Regulations in 2013, which criminalize
people smuggling and the trafficking of human beings.
55.
The delegation stated that the draft federal Constitution contained provisions to
protect many human rights. The delegation reiterated that the electoral law needed serious
consideration as it was still weak in ensuring the participation of women.
56.
The delegation agreed that new legislation was needed to address the issues of the
management and exploitation of forests in Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands has 800
islands and 10 provinces, with 90 per cent of land owned by customary landowners and the
rest owned by Government through the Land Commissioner. The delegation explained that
the present Government would like to see the percentages reversed with 90 per cent of the
land registered and a modern land tenure system established, and thus, the Lands Title Act
1969 would need to be reviewed.
57.
The delegation reported on the paucity of permanent housing in the villages and that
the Government had committed to budgeting for housing, especially in areas prone to
natural disasters, and for the supply of water, in particular to install water tanks in remote
areas.
58.
Denmark was pleased that Solomon Islands had accepted recommendations during
the first review to ratify the Convention against Torture. It asked about the concrete steps
being taken in that regard. Denmark referred to the Convention against Torture Initiative,
which worked through government-to-government exchange and cooperation, and stood
ready to assist the Solomon Islands if deemed helpful.
59.
Djibouti welcomed the progress made in terms of access to justice, health and
education services and gender equality. Djibouti highlighted the efforts to create an
independent national human rights institution and encouraged the continuation of those
efforts. Djibouti referred to the impact of climate change, in particular with regard to
population that might be forced to migrate from their ancestral territories to other areas,
which could result in tensions and conflicts with host communities. It encouraged the
promotion of understanding among decision-makers of the consequences of the exploitation
of forest resources and expressed concern about the rights of indigenous peoples.
60.
Egypt commended the efforts of Solomon Islands in implementing 112 out of 115
recommendations from the first review. Egypt recognized the measures adopted for the
protection of women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and minority groups.
It was encouraged by, inter alia, the development of a National Action Plan against Human
Trafficking and the establishment of the community-based rehabilitation unit to promote
the rights of persons with disabilities.
61.
Estonia encouraged Solomon Islands to continue its efforts to become a party to all
core international human rights instruments and to cooperate fully with the United Nations
special procedures and treaty bodies. It encouraged Solomon Islands to take further steps
for the full implementation of the treaties it has already ratified and their incorporation into
domestic law. Estonia welcomed the new legislation, including the Child and Family
Welfare Bill and the Family Protection Act, and encouraged the implementation of such
policies as the National Strategy for the Economic Empowerment of Women and Girls.
Estonia hoped that stakeholders’ consultations would lead to a better reflection of
international human rights principles in the federal Constitution, including the principles of
equality and non-discrimination.
62.
Fiji understood the difficulties faced by archipelagic States in ensuring the
implementation of legislation and policies across the country, particularly when they
affected long-held attitudes and behaviours regarded by some as culturally acceptable. Fiji
noted the significant steps taken to review legislation which currently did not prohibit
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