COMMITTEE ON
THE ELIMINATION
OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Sixtieth session
4-22 March 2002
CONSIDERATION
OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES
UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations of the Committee on the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination*
SOLOMON ISLANDS
1. At its 1502nd meeting, held on 8 March 2002 (CERD/C/SR.1502),
the Committee reviewed the implementation of the Convention
by the Solomon Islands based upon the concluding observations
on the initial report in 1983 (see CERD/C/101/Add.1 and
A/38/18, paras. 421-430) and previous reviews of the implementation
of the Convention in 1992 and 1996 (see A/47/18, paras.
246-253 and A/51/18, paras. 446-448). The Committee also
took into consideration a variety of materials from both
intergovernmental and non-governmental sources. The Committee
regrets that Solomon Islands has not responded to its invitations
to participate in the meeting and to furnish relevant information.
2. While it is noted with appreciation that Solomon Islands
has recently submitted initial reports to the Committee
on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and to the Committee
on the Rights of the Child, it is regretted that a report
has not been submitted to the Committee on the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination since the State party's initial
report in 1983. It is recalled that the purpose of the
reporting
system is for States parties to establish and maintain
a dialogue with the Committee on the measures adopted,
progress
made and difficulties encountered in complying with the
rights recognized in the Convention. The non-performance
by a State of its reporting obligations creates serious
obstacles to the effective
functioning of the monitoring system set up by the Convention.
3. The Committee recognizes the challenging economic
and social conditions faced by Solomon Islands and is
aware
of the political and ethnic conflicts which have exacerbated
the situation there. It is also aware of the violent
conflict
between the Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM) and the Malaita
Eagle Force (MEF), which has led to gross violations
of
human rights in Solomon Islands. Internal displacement,
hostage taking, killings, torture, rape, looting and
the
burning of village homes have been reported by a number
of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
The Committee is concerned that, despite several attempts
at securing peace, favourable results have been limited,
as tension between the two groups remains
high. The Committee is hopeful that the successful elections
held in December
2001 and the new ruling party's stated promise to rehabilitate
the country politically and economically and to ensure
better
security will lead to sustainable peace and security
in Solomon Islands.
4. In line with its previous recommendations, the Committee
strongly urges the Government of Solomon Islands to avail
itself of the technical assistance offered under the advisory
services and technical assistance programme of the Office
of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,
with the aim of drawing up and submitting as soon as possible
a report drafted in accordance with the reporting guidelines.
5. The Committee draws the attention of the State party
to the provisions of the Declaration and Programme of Action
of the World Conference against Racism, according to which
the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Racial Discrimination is the principal international
instrument for the elimination of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance and States are urged
to cooperate with the Committee in order to promote the
effective implementation of the Convention.
_________________
*Please note that the symbol CERD/C/Session No./CO/…will
from now on replace the previous symbol CERD/C/304/Add...
