30 Apr 2009

Solomons Commission claims broad support

7:06 pm on 30 April 2009

The chairperson of the Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission says there is widespread support for its mission to help heal the wounds of ethnic violence.

The Commission was launched in Honiara yesterday to hear the stories of people caught up in unrest between 1998 and 2003, and to promote reconciliation.

The commission's chairperson, Father Sam Ata, the Dean of St Barnabas Cathedral, says this is the first commission of its kind in the Pacific and it's too early to know how many people will take part.

But he says some people have already indicated they will give evidence, and there is a lot of support for the commission's work.

"Oh yes, in the churches particularly they initiated the idea of having a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The government is fully supportive and also the international community. The general public has also expressed their support."

Father Sam Ata says he wants the commission to help people come to terms with the past and their pain.