24 Aug 2009

Work of Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Solomons delayed

10:31 am on 24 August 2009

The work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Solomon Islands is being delayed by the late arrival of the two expatriate commissioners.

The Office of the Prime Minister confirmed the commissioners were to have arrived in the country three months ago but have been delayed due to UNDP red tape.

The posts of the Commissioners who are from Fiji and Papua New Guinea are being funded by the United Nations Development Programme and facilitated by the International Humans Rights Commission.

However after announcing the commissioners appointment, the government has yet to receive a confirmed date of their arrival.

The launch of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission made headline news around the world, with prominent human rights activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu visiting Solomon Islands to launch the commission.

The Commission is being set up to address issues relating to the four-year ethnic crisis.