Solomon Islands has committed to a five-year programme to eliminate violence against women and girls in the country.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare Photo: RNZI
The committment, called "Keeping the Promise in Solomon Islands: From Policy to Action" was made at a United Nations conference in Fiji this week, where representatives from 14 Pacific countries came together to discuss solutions to the high levels of violence against children in the region.
The Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says there is an urgent need to prevent children from abuse and economic exploitation.
He says the recent Family Protection Act 2014 made major inroads to addressing the problem, but more legislation is needed.
He says the government intends to pass the Child and Family Welfare Bill this year.
Mr Sogavare says it will pair policy commitments with increasing its work with families and communities to overcome the social acceptance of violence against children.
