Honiara, Solomon Islands, 12th August 2025 – The Solomon Islands is honoured to announce its assumption of the Chairmanship of the Regional Working Group (RWG) on the Implementation of Family Protection/Domestic Violence Legislation for a two-year tenure, beginning in August 2025. This leadership role follows the conclusion of Nauru’s successful chairmanship, with Ms. Joy Heine from Nauru being the outgoing Chair.
The Solomon Islands delegation, currently attending the 6th Annual RWG Meeting in Nauru starting today,11th August, is led by Permanent Secretary George Hoa’au of the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA), accompanied by Deputy Secretary Corporate Ms. Christina Bakolo, Counsel Kyla Venokana-Sie, Chief Legal Policy Officer, and Ms. Verity Faradatolo, Senior Legal Officer. PS George Hoa’au is slated to co-chair discussions on Day 2 of the ongoing meeting, marking a smooth handover of responsibilities.
The Solomon Islands, Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Children and Family Affairs, views this Chairmanship as a significant honor. During its two-year term, the Solomon Islands will focus on key responsibilities and priorities to further the regional agenda on domestic violence.
Key Responsibilities and Commitments
1. Hosting the 7th Working Group Meeting in Honiara in 2026.
As per the RWG’s Terms of Reference, the Solomon Islands will host the 7th meeting of its chairmanship tenure in its own country. Preparations, including consultations on budgetary additions, are already underway.
2. Strengthening Multi-Sectoral Partnerships
The Solomon Islands is committed to ensure coordination and strengthening multi-sectoral partnerships among government bodies, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, communities, development partners, and the private sector. This ensures inclusivity in the design, implementation, and review of relevant legislation, prevention, and response programs.
3. Advancing Gender Equality Obligations
The Solomon Islands will prioritise progressing regional gender equality obligations specifically related to domestic violence.
4. Enhancing Participation and Awareness
The RWG will explore various modalities for member participation at annual and other relevant meetings (virtual and face-to-face options) and commit to exploring contextually appropriate community education and awareness materials.
Other priority areas outlined in the 5th Annual Meeting Outcomes Document, will be pursued under the Solomon Islands’ leadership. The RWG will focus on critical sub-committee work, which includes:
• Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) Sub-Committee
• Illicit Drugs and Domestic Violence Committee
• Legal and Institutional Strengthening Framework Sub-Committee
• Data Collection, Monitoring, and Evaluation Sub-Committee
The Solomon Islands is confident in its ability to provide strong leadership to advance the crucial work of the Regional Working Group (RWG), making the country, the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), and the Minister proud.
