24 Jan 2005

Solomon Islands lawyers concerned over lack of input in constitution draft

8:00 pm on 24 January 2005

The Solomon Islands Bar Association has voiced its concern about being ignored in the drafting and review process of the proposed Federal Constitution.

The Association's secretary, Chris Hapa, says the draft constitution has been consultant driven by the UNDP and lacks the input of the wider community, particularly the Association.

Mr Hapa says the Bar Association feels all stakeholders should help in the drafting of the Constitution.

"Our concern is that there haven't been any views from uour party. We haven't been approached. We haven't been given a chance by the relevant bodies to at least voice our view on that document. That has been the focal point of our concern."

The secretary of the Bar Association, Chris Hapa