Human Rights in Solomon Islands: Uneven Progress in 2024

A new regional survey reveals that while Solomon Islanders continue to exercise their cultural rights and protect customary lands, growing threats from the climate crisis, violence, and resource exploitation are putting pressure on basic human rights across the country.

The data, compiled by a regional rights tracker, presents a nuanced picture of human rights in Solomon Islands in 2025, shedding light on both gains and deepening gaps that affect the most vulnerable—women and girls, Indigenous communities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Climate Crisis Fueling Rights Violations

Scoring 5.3 out of 6, the climate crisis was found to greatly worsen human rights conditions in the Solomon Islands. Rising sea levels, extreme flooding, and increasingly frequent landslides are not only damaging infrastructure but threatening food security, access to clean water, and health services—particularly in rural and coastal areas.

Respondents noted that traditional governance systems are also weakening under climate pressures, reducing the capacity of communities to self-organize and protect their rights.

Indigenous Sovereignty: Protected in Law, Undermined in Practice

The ability of Indigenous Solomon Islanders to exercise self-determination scored a moderate 3.8. While Indigenous governance and land ownership are constitutionally recognized, respondents said this is rarely fully respected in practice. The state’s control over mining and logging operations continues to weaken traditional authority, often bypassing Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

Meanwhile, Indigenous land rights scored higher at 4.8, thanks to tribal and family ownership structures. But extractive industries still pose significant threats to long-term land security and environmental sustainability.

Cultural Rights Remain a Strength—but Face New Challenges

Scoring another 5.3, the protection of cultural rights in Solomon Islands remains a bright spot. Communities continue to practice diverse traditions and languages, with strong constitutional protections. However, concerns are emerging over the commercialization of culture, lack of Indigenous language support in formal education, and the gradual erosion of traditional knowledge.

Violence Remains a Deep Concern Across Communities

One of the most concerning areas in the 2025 report is community violence—especially violence against women and girls, which remains widespread. The data reveals that survivors face a culture of silence, limited legal support, and high risks linked to alcohol abuse and poverty.

The situation is similarly alarming for people with disabilities, who face not only violence but also poor access to education, healthcare, and public infrastructure. LGBTQIA+ individuals also continue to experience stigma and limited freedom of expression in public, though some respondents noted slow improvements in public awareness.

What Needs to Change?

The findings reflect an urgent need for Solomon Islands to prioritize human rights in national policy, particularly in the areas of climate adaptation, resource governance, gender-based violence prevention, and disability inclusion.

Civil society, traditional leaders, and the government must work together to ensure that development does not compromise dignity, identity, and safety—especially for marginalized communities.

 

Source: HRMI Rights Tracker 

The Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) is a unique collaborative effort involving human rights practitioners, researchers, academics, and advocates. Recognized as a certified digital public good by the international Digital Public Goods Alliance, HRMI plays a vital role in advancing global human rights monitoring and accountability.