AUSTRALIA’S Minister for Justice Michael Keenan has praised the enduring support of RAMSI and Australia to the Solomon Islands’ Law and Justice sector over the past 10 years.
The acknowledgement was made on the Justice Minister’s arrival in Honiara yesterday.
Australia has worked closely with the national government to strengthen its justice institutions since 2003, contributing around $17 million to the sector in 2013-2014.
“I would like to congratulate the Solomon Islands Government for the great strides it has made in strengthening and maintaining law and order throughout the country,” Mr Keenan said.
“The justice sector has come a long way in only a decade. Every agency is now led by a Solomon Islander, the number of staff in the sector has increased and the Government is prioritising the need to address the shortage of magistrates.”
Mr Keenan also noted the strong achievements of the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services in reforming correctional services.
“Correctional Services Solomon Islands (CSSI) is one of the success stories.
“All corrective facilities now meet standards set by the United Nations, rehabilitation programs are available, juveniles are housed separately, and opportunities for women employees have expanded.”
Australia has committed $44 million under its current four-year phase of support to the justice sector.
The support will assist the Government to strengthen the capacity of Solomon Islands’ justice institutions to deliver services, particularly in rural areas, while also promoting gender equality and ending violence against women.
The Minister will personally congratulate the Hon Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer, the Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional
Services Chris Laore and the Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs Commins Mewa during meetings today.
