SI Launches National Information Management System to Strengthen UXO Coordination and Public Safety

The Solomon Islands Government has officially launched the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA Core), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to address the ongoing threat posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) and strengthen national mine action coordination.

The launch was officiated by the Honourable Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, who described the introduction of IMSMA Core as a major advancement in the Government’s commitment to protecting communities, strengthening public safety, and supporting sustainable national development.

Although more than eight decades have passed since the Second World War, unexploded ordnance continues to pose serious risks to lives, infrastructure, economic development, and land use across Solomon Islands. The new system provides the Government and its partners with a modern, internationally recognised platform for collecting, managing, analysing, and reporting on UXO information.

Speaking at the launch, Minister John Tuhaika Jr. said IMSMA Core is more than a new database; it is a strategic national tool that will improve evidence-based planning, strengthen operational coordination, and enable more effective allocation of resources to areas most affected by explosive remnants of war.

“IMSMA Core represents another important step in our national commitment to protecting our people and building a more resilient and secure Solomon Islands,” the Minister said.

The system will serve as the country’s single, trusted source of UXO information, promoting greater accountability, consistency and collaboration among government agencies, humanitarian organisations, development partners and other stakeholders engaged in UXO management.

The launch also reinforces the Government’s broader national UXO management framework, which includes establishing the National UXO Coordination Office to lead policy development, coordination, national standards, and legislative reforms.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit will continue to serve as the statutory authority responsible for explosive ordnance disposal operations.

In addition to IMSMA Core, the national framework includes the development of a National UXO Policy, National UXO Standards, a National UXO Bill, and an integrated national UXO database to strengthen long-term management of explosive hazards throughout the country.

The Solomon Islands Government acknowledged the valuable technical support and partnership of the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) in making the implementation of IMSMA Core possible.

Through this collaboration, Solomon Islands has adopted internationally recognised best practices while developing a system tailored to its national context.

The Minister encouraged all Government ministries, development partners, non-government organisations and stakeholders to embrace IMSMA Core as the national platform for UXO information management, emphasising that the system’s success depends on the timely sharing of accurate and reliable information.

The launch demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment to reducing the risks posed by unexploded ordnance, strengthening national institutions, and ensuring future generations of Solomon Islanders can live, work and develop free from the dangers of explosive remnants of war.

Minister John Tuhaika Jr.

Information Management System for Mine Action