Development Services Exchange (DSE) condemns any form of intimidation and threats to its non-government organisations (NGOs) members in response to their freedom to express their views on national issues for this country.
General Secretary of DSE Jennifer Wate said her office has been briefed of a government Minister who threatens to stop financial support the government is currently providing for NGOs in support for youth and women work.
This came following a radio talk-back show organised by DSE for its members to express their views on the way the country’s national leaders are running the affairs of Solomon Islands.
The NGOs during the talk-back show expressed the need for change in leadership- a call that doesn’t go down well with the Minister concern.
“The least we expect from any of our leaders is to intimidate and threaten our NGO members by telling them that they can stop providing any financial support to the work of NGOs.
“This is not acceptable and it is an act of repression on NGOs who are exercising their freedom of expression as mandated in our National Constitution.
“We cannot tolerate such actions of leaders against our member NGOs who are advocating for the rights of women, youth and children of Solomon Islands,” she said.
Mrs Wate said DSE is concerned that there is now a growing trend where repression is continued to be exercised by people whom they expect to be their champion defenders of democracy.
Meanwhile, a request by the Solomon Islands National Council of Women with support from other CSOs and churches for a peaceful march this Friday has not been guaranteed in fear for security reasons.
However, the CSOs have vowed not to stop and will meet again with the police and HCC to discuss when they will stage the peaceful march next week.
DSE also calls on peace loving citizens of this country especially Honiara citizens to adhere to the calls by the Police and community leaders not to take the laws into their own hands.
DSE is the national body for CSOs in Solomon Islands.
