13 Oct 2014

Solomons to go before UN Committee

7:56 am on 13 October 2014

The Solomon Islands Ministry of Women, Youth and Children's Affairs is preparing to go before the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

The RSIPF central watch house in the capital Honiara.

The RSIPF central watch house in the capital Honiara. Photo: RNZI Koroi Hawkins

The country ratified the convention in 2002 but has since been struggling to keep up with reporting to the UN.

The Ministry's Gender Equality and Womens Development Policy Coordinator, Vaela Devesi, says the country is now up to date with its reports and the upcoming meeting is to get feedback and suggestions on the way forward for Solomon Islands.

In 2012 the World Bank rated Solomon Islands as the worst country in the World for domestic violence saying 64 percent of women reported experiencing domestic violence.

Mrs Devesi says being party to CEDAW is important for the women of Solomon Islands.

"Even down to the community level they can, they can have their say and telling the government. This is what we are facing this is what needs to be done and having it as part of law, laws that protect women."

Gener Policy Coordinator Vaela Devesi.