8 Mar 2010

First hearing of Solomons Truth and Reconcilation Commission this week

6:41 am on 8 March 2010

The first public hearing by the Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission is to be held this week.

The public hearing gives victims and witnesses of crimes committed during the tensions in Solomon Islands the chance to give testimony on their experiences.

During the two-day hearing, victims and witnesses from Guadalcanal, Malaita, Western Province and Choiseul are expected to appear before the commission.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's primary function is to promote national unity and reconciliation.

The ethnic tensions claimed 100 lives and displaced about 20,000 persons in Solomon Islands.

The hearings will take place at the Forum Fisheries Agency offices in Honiara.