Submitted by jhortolani on
This report is part of CRIN's access to justice for children project, looking at the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in national law, the status of children involved in legal proceedings, the legal means to challenge violations of children’s rights and the practical considerations involved in challenging violations.
Although the Convention on the Rights of the Child has not been incorporated into Solomon Islands’ domestic laws, and is not directly enforceable, it has been used as an interpretive guide by the courts in applying national laws. The legal system considers the reparation of victims as a right, and allows children to apply for court assistance through their litigation guardian. However, children may be prevented from seeking redress from the courts due to the notion of customary laws, and culture of reconciliation. The courts adopt special measures to protect children giving evidence, yet due to a shortage of resources and reliance on traditional means of resolving disputes, very few cases of child abuse are investigated by the police, and brought to justice.
