A DEAL to ensure legal aid is more accessible to people with disabilities across the Solomon Islands was signed this week.
This significant milestone was achieved on Wednesday after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO), the Disabled Peoples Association of Solomon Islands (DPASI), and the Development Services Exchange (DSE).
The ceremony, held in Honiara on 19th February 2024, marked a collaborative effort to make legal aid more accessible to people with disabilities across the Solomon Islands.
The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access legal services and support more effectively.
This initiative is a critical step toward addressing the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities in navigating the legal system and asserting their rights.
The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from the three organizations, as well as partners and stakeholders, including the Australia-Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice (ASIPJ), which has provided invaluable support for this initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the Public Solicitor, Deputy Public Solicitor Chris Rarumae stated, “The MOU signing today is a partnership between the Public Solicitors office ,Disabled People Association of Solomon Islands and Development Services exchange to facilitate access to justice for a traditionally marginalized group within our society.”
Mr Rarumae continued to say,” Access to Justice and legal services and is a fundamental right in and of itself and it is particularly important for people with living with disabilities”.
Chief Executive Office of DPASI, Mr Casper Fa’asala noted that the signing of the MOU would encourage people with Disabilities to know that this service is available to them to provide support and help them navigate through the legal system.
This initiative is supported by the Australia-Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice program, a program committed to supporting the Solomon Islands Justice and Legal sector to efficient service delivery.
ASIPJ is supported by the Australian government.
- ASIPJ Press
