Overview of Human Rights in Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands is a parliamentary democracy. In 2003 - five years after the end of armed conflict between the Malaitans and Guadalcanalese - the international community began efforts to help rebuild the country. By 2004, law and order had been restored to normal levels and the country's human rights situation has followed suit.  However, the judiciary is overwhelmed by the post-conflict case load.  More than 400 officers and militant leaders are awaiting trial for their actions in the conflict. Villagers are still sheltering in makeshift huts without access to food and/or water supplies. Accusations of government corruption also continue.  That said, the Solomon Islands has a better than average human rights record when compared with other countries across the globe.  

Human Development Index (HDI) Rank:

128th out of 177

Note: Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures the level of well-being of nations in the world. It uses factors such as poverty, literacy, life-expectancy, education, gross domestic product, and purchasing power parity to assess the average achievements in each nation. It has been used in the United Nation’s Human Development Report since 1993.