A/HRC/18/2 the means by which the standards and principles in the Convention could be implemented. It therefore supported recommendations 81.39–81.41, 81.45, 81.48 and 81.56–81.58. 376. The Solomon Islands recognized the rights of persons with disabilities. The Government was also, however, conscious of resource constraints that could hinder the implementation of certain economic, social and cultural rights. It would nonetheless seriously consider the recommendations on the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities (recommendations 81.30–81.32). 377. As an island State that had experienced some of the negative effects of climate change, the Solomon Islands supported recommendations 81.34 and 81.36, which called for measures to respond to climate change. 378. The Government had pledged to facilitate further the peace process set out in recommendations 81.42 and 81.43, and supported the recommendations on considering the promotion and protection of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights (recommendations 81.20, 81.22 and 81.37, 81.53–81.55) and on legislative and judicial reform (recommendations 81.44 and 81.46). 379. Concerning recommendations that were only partially accepted, the delegation stated that the Solomon Islands was unable to accept fully at this time recommendation 81.21, which called for changes to property and inheritance legal frameworks. The Government would consider amending the legal framework with regard to the custody of children, but it was not yet ready to change property and inheritance laws. Most of the perceived inconsistencies with internationally accepted standards of property ownership and inheritance were due largely to long-defined customary laws, which viewed land ownership and inheritance very differently. To seek to change or amend the constitution to do away with such customary practices would require thorough, nationwide consultation. 380. With regard to the recommendations that were not supported, the delegation stated that, while the Government acknowledged and recognized international human rights standards, it would be too early, within the context of the Solomon Islands, to discuss the decriminalization of sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex. Such an issue would require thorough national consultations to address Christian doctrines and cultural perspectives on the issue. Consequently, it could not support recommendations 81.49–81.51 on sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex. 381. In closing, the delegation recognized that the universal periodic review had been a unique opportunity to enhance and promote active dialogue between Government and civil society. It valued the views from civil society groups and acknowledged their invaluable input. The Government would continue to work hard to enhance this relationship. The universal periodic review represented an important source of human rights expertise for the entire region. 382. The Minister for Foreign Affairs also reported that, at the regional level, there was already strong support for the universal periodic review, which would help in the implementation of the various recommendations. The recent summit of Forum leaders in Auckland recognized the review mechanism and supported Governments in this initiative, acknowledging the wide partnerships formed in the process. 383. Furthermore, Pacific leaders had brought to the forefront the issue of sexual and gender-based violence following the recent establishment of a forum reference group to address sexual and gender-based violence, based on a commitment made in 2009 to eradicate such violence and to ensure all individuals have equal protection under the law and equal access to justice. GE.12-17756 133

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents