Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Solomon Islands)
Encyclopedia
The Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is a commission officially established by the government of the Solomon Islands
on April 29, 2009. It has been formed to investigate the causes of the ethnic violence
that gripped the Solomon Islands between 1997 and 2003. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is the first of its kind in the Pacific Islands
region.
The purpose of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is to "address people's traumatic experiences during the five year ethnic conflict on Guadalcanal (1999–2004)". Its goal is to promote national unity and reconciliation. The members of the TRC will hear testimony from witnesses and victims of the violence, which killed over 100 people and displaced more than 20,000 internal refugees nationwide.
It is modeled after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa, which was chaired by then Archbishop
Desmond Tutu
. Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize
recipient, has taken an active role in the establishment of the TRC in the Solomon Islands.
and Malaita
. The gangs took advantage of ethnic tensions between Malaitan settlers on Guadalcanal and the island's indigenous residents. The Isatabu Freedom Movement
, which was made up by indigenous residents of the island of Guadalcanal, fought for several years with the Malaita Eagle Force
, a militia
group consisting mainly of residents and settlers from Malaita
. The two groups fought for political power, jobs and land rights, especially on the island of Guadalcanal.
The violence was finally quelled by the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), which was invited into the country by the government of former Prime Minister Allan Kemakeza
in 2003. RAMSI is still operating in the Solomon Islands as peacekeepers as of 2009.
In late August 2008, Sam Iduri
, Minister for Peace and Reconciliation, introduced a Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill to the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands
. In February 2009, it was reported that Archbishop Desmond Tutu
, former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa, would visit the Solomons in April to assist in setting up the Commission.
Australia has contributed approximately 500,000 towards the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The National Selection Committee was charged with choosing the five members of the TRC. The Chairman of the National Selection Committee, Chief Justice
of the Solomon Islands Supreme Court Sir Albert Palmer, submitted the names of the proposed members to the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands on April 22, 2009, as required by the Truth and Reconciliation Act of 2008 (TRC Act, 2008).
The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands
Derek Sikua
announced the five members of the TRC on April 27, 2009, two days before the launch of the Commission. Sikua thanked the selection committee for working to choose the members of the commission. "I also wish to thank our people for their participation and in thanking them, I wish to call on our people to help the Truth and Reconciliation Commission because without the Truth there can be no true reconciliation and thus no lasting national peace
, unity and healing."
By law, the members of the TRC must begin their investigations within fourteen days of their appointment by Prime Minister Sikua.
The five members of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) are:
in Honiara
, the capital of the Solomon Islands.
Thousands of Solomon Islanders attended the opening, which included a speech by Archbishop Desmond Tutu
. Tutu spoke of the need for forgiveness in the country to achieve a long term, sustainable peace. Prime Minister Derek Sikua told the crowd that the TRC marked an important day in the history of the Solomon Islands
and the years of ethnic violence which engulfed the country, "The launching of the Commission is a vital part of the efforts as Solomon Islands continue to work towards closure of a most challenging chapter in the history of the country, when disputes led to conflict and conflict erupted into violence between communities."
Tutu is also hosting a conference called the Winds of Change, which will bring together former combatants from Malaita and Guadalcanal for reconciliation talks.
The opening of the hearings was attended by Governor-General
Frank Kabui
, Prime Minister
Derek Sikua
, Speaker of Parliament Sir Peter Kenilorea
and the Chief Justice.
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands is a sovereign state in Oceania, east of Papua New Guinea, consisting of nearly one thousand islands. It covers a land mass of . The capital, Honiara, is located on the island of Guadalcanal...
on April 29, 2009. It has been formed to investigate the causes of the ethnic violence
Ethnic violence
Ethnic violence refers to violence expressly motivated by ethnic hatred...
that gripped the Solomon Islands between 1997 and 2003. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is the first of its kind in the Pacific Islands
Pacific Islands
The Pacific Islands comprise 20,000 to 30,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are also sometimes collectively called Oceania, although Oceania is sometimes defined as also including Australasia and the Malay Archipelago....
region.
The purpose of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is to "address people's traumatic experiences during the five year ethnic conflict on Guadalcanal (1999–2004)". Its goal is to promote national unity and reconciliation. The members of the TRC will hear testimony from witnesses and victims of the violence, which killed over 100 people and displaced more than 20,000 internal refugees nationwide.
It is modeled after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa, which was chaired by then Archbishop
Archbishop
An archbishop is a bishop of higher rank, but not of higher sacramental order above that of the three orders of deacon, priest , and bishop...
Desmond Tutu
Desmond Tutu
Desmond Mpilo Tutu is a South African activist and retired Anglican bishop who rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid...
. Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize
Nobel Peace Prize
The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five Nobel Prizes bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel.-Background:According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize shall be awarded to the person who...
recipient, has taken an active role in the establishment of the TRC in the Solomon Islands.
Background of the conflict
The Solomon Islands descended into ethnic violence between 1997 and 2003. Much of the violence was committed by rival ethnic gangs from the islands of GuadalcanalGuadalcanal
Guadalcanal is a tropical island in the South-Western Pacific. The largest island in the Solomons, it was discovered by the Spanish expedition of Alvaro de Mendaña in 1568...
and Malaita
Malaita
Malaita is the largest island of the Malaita Province in the Solomon Islands. A tropical and mountainous island, Malaita's pristine river systems and tropical forests have not been exploited. Malaita is the most populous island of the Solomon Islands, with 140,000 people or more than a third of the...
. The gangs took advantage of ethnic tensions between Malaitan settlers on Guadalcanal and the island's indigenous residents. The Isatabu Freedom Movement
Isatabu Freedom Movement
Isatabu Freedom Movement is a nationalist militant organisation of the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.The movement also included other factions such as the Guadalcanal Revolutionary Army and the Guadalcanal Liberation Front which was led by warlord Harold Keke...
, which was made up by indigenous residents of the island of Guadalcanal, fought for several years with the Malaita Eagle Force
Malaita Eagle Force
Malaita Eagles Force is a militant organization, originating in the island of Malaita, in the Solomon Islands.It was set up during 'The Tension' in the Solomons, which were mainly centred on Guadalcanal, to defend diasporic Malaitans in Guadalcanal and the property of Malaitans that have left the...
, a militia
Militia
The term militia is commonly used today to refer to a military force composed of ordinary citizens to provide defense, emergency law enforcement, or paramilitary service, in times of emergency without being paid a regular salary or committed to a fixed term of service. It is a polyseme with...
group consisting mainly of residents and settlers from Malaita
Malaita
Malaita is the largest island of the Malaita Province in the Solomon Islands. A tropical and mountainous island, Malaita's pristine river systems and tropical forests have not been exploited. Malaita is the most populous island of the Solomon Islands, with 140,000 people or more than a third of the...
. The two groups fought for political power, jobs and land rights, especially on the island of Guadalcanal.
The violence was finally quelled by the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), which was invited into the country by the government of former Prime Minister Allan Kemakeza
Allan Kemakeza
Sir Allan Kemakeza KBE was the seventh Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands from 2001 to 2006. He represented Savo/Russel Constituency in the National Parliament of Solomon Islands from 1989 to 2010 and was most recently Minister of Forestry December 2007 to August 2010...
in 2003. RAMSI is still operating in the Solomon Islands as peacekeepers as of 2009.
Formation of the Commission
Sam Iduri
Shemuel Sam Iduri is a Solomon Islands politician.After studying at teachers' colleges in Solomon Islands and in Western Australia, he worked as a secondary school principal, then as education officer....
, Minister for Peace and Reconciliation, introduced a Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill to the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands
National Parliament of the Solomon Islands
The National Parliament of Solomon Islands has 50 members, elected for a four year term in 50 single-seat constituencies.It is presided by a Speaker - currently Sir Allan Kemakeza.-Latest elections:-Members:...
. In February 2009, it was reported that Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Desmond Tutu
Desmond Mpilo Tutu is a South African activist and retired Anglican bishop who rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid...
, former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa, would visit the Solomons in April to assist in setting up the Commission.
Australia has contributed approximately 500,000 towards the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Commission members
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is composed of five members, three of which are citizens of the Solomon Islands, while two others were chosen from outside of the country. There are three men and two women.The National Selection Committee was charged with choosing the five members of the TRC. The Chairman of the National Selection Committee, Chief Justice
Chief Justice
The Chief Justice in many countries is the name for the presiding member of a Supreme Court in Commonwealth or other countries with an Anglo-Saxon justice system based on English common law, such as the Supreme Court of Canada, the Constitutional Court of South Africa, the Court of Final Appeal of...
of the Solomon Islands Supreme Court Sir Albert Palmer, submitted the names of the proposed members to the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands on April 22, 2009, as required by the Truth and Reconciliation Act of 2008 (TRC Act, 2008).
The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands
Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands
The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands is Solomon Islands' head of government, consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in the National Parliament. Solomon Islands is a Commonwealth realm. Since August 2010, the Prime Minister has been Danny Philip of the Reform...
Derek Sikua
Derek Sikua
David Derek Sikua served as the ninth Prime Minister of Solomon Islands from December 20, 2007 to August 25, 2010. He is a member of the Solomon Islands Liberal Party.-Career:Sikua is from Ngalitavethi Village in Guadalcanal Province...
announced the five members of the TRC on April 27, 2009, two days before the launch of the Commission. Sikua thanked the selection committee for working to choose the members of the commission. "I also wish to thank our people for their participation and in thanking them, I wish to call on our people to help the Truth and Reconciliation Commission because without the Truth there can be no true reconciliation and thus no lasting national peace
Peace
Peace is a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violent conflict. Commonly understood as the absence of hostility, peace also suggests the existence of healthy or newly healed interpersonal or international relationships, prosperity in matters of social or economic welfare, the...
, unity and healing."
By law, the members of the TRC must begin their investigations within fourteen days of their appointment by Prime Minister Sikua.
The five members of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) are:
- Reverend Sam Ata of Malaita ProvinceMalaita ProvinceMalaita Province is one of the largest provinces of the Solomon Islands. It is named for its largest island, Malaita . Other islands include South Malaita Island , Sikaiana Island, and Ontong Java Atoll. The provincial capital and largest urban center is Auki, located on Big Malaita...
, Solomon Islands. (Chairman) - George Kejoa of GuadalcanalGuadalcanalGuadalcanal is a tropical island in the South-Western Pacific. The largest island in the Solomons, it was discovered by the Spanish expedition of Alvaro de Mendaña in 1568...
, Solomon Islands. - Caroline Laore of Western Province, Solomon Islands
- RatuRatuRatu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. An equivalent title, Adi is used by females of chiefly rank.-Etymology:Ra is a prefix in many titles and Tu is simply "chief"...
Joni MadraiwiwiJoni MadraiwiwiRatu Joni Madraiwiwi is a Fijian lawyer, politician and was the Vice-President of Fiji from 2004 to 2006. He was sworn in on 10 January 2005, following his nomination by President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo and his subsequent approval by the Great Council of Chiefs on 15 December 2004...
of FijiFijiFiji , officially the Republic of Fiji , is an island nation in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean about northeast of New Zealand's North Island... - Sofia Macher, a human rights activist from PeruPeruPeru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
. (Deputy Chair)
Opening of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The Commission was officially launched on April 29, 2009, at the Lawson Tama StadiumLawson Tama Stadium
Lawson Tama Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium is unique as the stand is built into the hillside so there is no official capacity....
in Honiara
Honiara
Honiara, population 49,107 , 78,190 , is the capital of the Solomon Islands and of Guadalcanal Province, although it is a separately administered town...
, the capital of the Solomon Islands.
Thousands of Solomon Islanders attended the opening, which included a speech by Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Desmond Tutu
Desmond Mpilo Tutu is a South African activist and retired Anglican bishop who rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid...
. Tutu spoke of the need for forgiveness in the country to achieve a long term, sustainable peace. Prime Minister Derek Sikua told the crowd that the TRC marked an important day in the history of the Solomon Islands
History of the Solomon Islands
The human history of the Solomon Islands, in the Melanesia subregion of Oceania in the western Pacific Ocean, spans over 30,000 years.-Original Austronesians:...
and the years of ethnic violence which engulfed the country, "The launching of the Commission is a vital part of the efforts as Solomon Islands continue to work towards closure of a most challenging chapter in the history of the country, when disputes led to conflict and conflict erupted into violence between communities."
Tutu is also hosting a conference called the Winds of Change, which will bring together former combatants from Malaita and Guadalcanal for reconciliation talks.
Beginning of public hearings
The Commission's first public hearings were held in March 2010, with victims called upon to describe their sufferings during the violence. The Commission explained that the aim of the process was to provide victims with an opportunity to be heard, "end th[e] silence and make the whole country to give recognition to their sufferings" : "Above all, it will help to restore the dignity of the victims, to retrieve the memory of those who were killed, and to hear the voice of those who were humiliated and abused in countless ways." Victims were permitted to name groups who had caused their suffering, but not individuals. The Commission would not pass judgement, but treat the hearings as "moments to listen with respect and compassion".The opening of the hearings was attended by Governor-General
Governor-General of the Solomon Islands
The Governor-General of Solomon Islands is the representative of the Queen of Solomon Islands, Elizabeth II. The Queen does not reside in the islands, and so the Governor-General serves as the country's de facto head of state in her absence....
Frank Kabui
Frank Kabui
Sir Frank Utu Ofagioro Kabui, GCMG, CSI, OBE has been the Governor General of the Solomon Islands since 7 July 2009.He is also a trained judge, having been his country's first law graduate in 1975, and is a former member of the Solomon Islands Bar Association , having twice served as its...
, Prime Minister
Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands
The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands is Solomon Islands' head of government, consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in the National Parliament. Solomon Islands is a Commonwealth realm. Since August 2010, the Prime Minister has been Danny Philip of the Reform...
Derek Sikua
Derek Sikua
David Derek Sikua served as the ninth Prime Minister of Solomon Islands from December 20, 2007 to August 25, 2010. He is a member of the Solomon Islands Liberal Party.-Career:Sikua is from Ngalitavethi Village in Guadalcanal Province...
, Speaker of Parliament Sir Peter Kenilorea
Peter Kenilorea
Sir Peter Kenilorea KBE is a Solomon Islands politician, officially styled The Rt. Hon. Sir Peter Kenilorea as a member of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom....
and the Chief Justice.