A/HRC/48/13
B.
Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
22.
During the interactive dialogue, 59 delegations made statements. Recommendations
made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.
23.
Georgia commended Solomon Islands for key legislative developments since its
previous universal periodic review, including the acts on anti-corruption and on child and
family welfare, the submission of its periodic reports to the Committee on the Rights of the
Child, and the establishment of the Anti-Human Trafficking Advisory Committee.
24.
Germany welcomed the establishment of the Anti-Human Trafficking Advisory
Committee while expressing concerns regarding the protection of children, in particular
children with disabilities.
25.
Iceland was encouraged by actions such as the SAFENET network, operated by
government and non-government partners to provide services to those affected by genderbased violence.
26.
India commended Solomon Islands for efforts to promote and protect human rights
since its second universal periodic review cycle. It welcomed the establishment of the AntiHuman Trafficking Advisory Committee and the enactment of the Whistle-blowers
Protection Act (2018). It also noted with appreciation the adoption of the national health
strategic plan for 2016–2020.
27.
Indonesia noted the progress made by Solomon Islands since its last review. It
remained committed to capacity-building and development cooperation with Solomon
Islands, especially in the areas of democracy, human rights advancement, women’s
empowerment and child protection.
28.
Iraq appreciated the efforts undertaken by Solomon Islands for the preparation of its
national report. It welcomed the policies, plans and legislation adopted since the previous
universal periodic review cycle, including the anti-corruption law of 2018, which would
enable the country to combat corruption and preserve human rights.
29.
Ireland acknowledged efforts to advance human rights domestically and commended
Solomon Islands for the progress made since the previous universal periodic review cycle. It
welcomed the introduction of several policies aimed at improving the lives of women, girls
and young people, including the national policy to eliminate violence against women and
girls, the national youth policy, and the national gender equality and women’s development
policy. It further encouraged Solomon Islands to continue that progress by acceding to the
remaining core international human rights treaties and the optional protocols thereto.
30.
Israel acknowledged the many challenges faced by Solomon Islands as a consequence
of climate change. Israel commended Solomon Islands for the reform of the Penal Code with
provisions to criminalize all forms of sexual violence. In line with its recommendation from
the previous review cycle, Israel commended Solomon Islands for the increase of women in
the paid work force.
31.
Italy commended Solomon Islands for its valuable participation in the universal
periodic review mechanism. It appreciated the efforts made for the promotion of gender
equality, in particular the adoption of the national gender equality and women’s development
policy for 2016–2020. It also welcomed the approval in 2016 of the implementing regulations
of the Family Protection Act (2014), as recommended in the previous universal periodic
review cycle, to fight against domestic violence, assist survivors and ensure related services.
32.
Japan greatly appreciated the positive steps taken by Solomon Islands to protect and
promote the rights of children, including the passing of the Immigration Act (2012) and Penal
Code Amendment Act (2016) to protect them from sexual exploitation. Japan stressed that it
was aware of the challenges facing Solomon Islands.
33.
Malawi warmly welcomed the delegation of Solomon Islands and offered its
appreciation for the comprehensive report. It commended Solomon Islands for the progress
made so far in implementing the recommendations accepted during the previous review
cycle.
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