A four days Sexual Offence Defence Training is underway this week in Honiara.
The workshop was officially opened on Monday and is now underway at the King Solomon Hotel Conference Room in Honiara.
The workshop brings together 43 lawyers from across the Solomon Islands, including 18 private practitioners from the Bar Association and 25 lawyers from the Public Solicitor’s Office, as well as participants from Makira and Western Provinces.
The training, facilitated by the Victorian Bar Association from Australia, is designed for justice sector counterparts within the Solomon Islands Government (SIG), specifically targeting lawyers from the Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO).
The program aims to strengthen the capacity of public solicitors in handling sexual offence cases, enhance legal defence skills, and promote fair trial standards across the justice system.
Officials from both the Victorian Bar Association and the Public Solicitor’s Office attended the opening, marking the beginning of a collaborative initiative to improve legal support and justice delivery in the Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Sara Lailey, representing the Australian High Commission’s Governance and Stability Program, said the workshop is being made possible through the partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia.
“This workshop is a testament to the enduring ties between Australia and Solomon Islands.
“It reflects the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect that defines our bilateral relationship,”Ms. Lailey said.
She added that the Australian Government is proud to support the initiative, recognizing the importance of building capacity in legal defence, particularly in sensitive and complex areas such as sexual offences.
Meanwhile, President of the Solomon Islands Bar Association (SIBA) Peter Teddy, expressed gratitude to the Victorian Bar Association for their support.
“On behalf of SIBA and the Solomon Islands Government, thank you for this opportunity. Your dedication contributes to creating a safer and more just society,” Mr. Teddy said.
By John Chrisma
Solomon Star, Honiara
