More help for law and justice in Solomon Islands

RAMSI Special Coordinator, James Batley, today announced extra funding for the Solomon Islands law and justice system.

Mr Batley said the Regional Assistance Mission would provide an extra AUD $5 million over the next two years to assist the courts in managing their current high caseload. He said the new package followed an assessment by the justice sector, and request by the Chief Justice of Solomon Islands, Sir Albert Palmer.

“RAMSI is already providing significant support to Solomon Islands’ law and justice system to help ensure the system is fair, efficient and effective,” Mr Batley said.

“The extra assistance announced today will support the engagement of another High Court judge with support staff, more crown prosecutors and public defenders, and some equipment and infrastructure.

“It is very important for Solomon Islanders to know that their own justice system is working as well as it can.”

Seven high-profile trials have been completed in the High Court, and other tensions-related trials are currently underway.

Under the RAMSI law and justice program, there are over 40 prosecutors, defence lawyers and other legal staff working to strengthen the capacity of Solomon Islands to handle cases efficiently and fairly.