UK Statement at Solomon Islands' Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Thank you, Madam Vice President,
The United Kingdom commends Solomon Islands' progress in implementing recommendations from its last review, including efforts to combat violence against women and girls through the Family Protection Act and the National Policy to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls (2021 - 2027).
We also welcome steps Solomon Islands has taken to raise awareness of CEDAW at provincial and community levels, and the increased integration of gender perspectives in the context of disaster risk management planning.
We recommend that Solomon Islands builds on this positive progress by:
Amending the Marriage Act 1945 to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 years.
Adopting the revised Forestry Bill 2004 and Mineral Resources Bill 2025 to safeguard the land rights of local communities against mining and logging.
Establishing a National Human Rights Institution in line with the Paris Principles, including by seeking technical assistance.
Thank you.
