Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission Hosts Workshop with government stakeholders
The Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission (SILRC/Commission) has successfully hosted a day workshop on the theme “Understanding and engaging effectively for better legal policy and laws.” The workshop took place at the Heritage Park Hotel which brought together representatives from government ministries and offices. Representatives from the Fiji Law Reform Commission (FLRC) and the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission (VLRC) also attended the workshop.
The workshop aimed to improve understanding of the SILRC’s role and functions, and effective engagement and collaboration between the SILRC and government ministries on law reform agendas.
Recognising law reform as a shared responsibility, the workshop provided a platform for government ministries and offices to discuss their legislative programs. Representatives of the FLRC and the VLRC were given opportunity during the workshop to share their experiences in engaging with government ministries in their respective countries.
The presentations during the day covers the SILRC’s establishment, legal mandate, operational processes, and partnership in other law reform programs; followed by presentations from the FLRC and the VLRC. The day was concluded with group discussions, with government ministries and offices presented on their current law reforms activities.
Mr Philip Kanairara, the Chairman of the SILRC, opened the workshop by emphasising the importance of mutual understanding and meaningful engagement among the government stakeholders in legal policy development or law reform. “Sound legal policy development or law reform is a result of robust collaboration by stakeholders where they think and talk through – thoroughly – the reform proposals.” Mr Kanairara emphasised.
The workshop concluded with understanding between the SILRC and government stakeholders on law reform matters. The SILRC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government ministries with their law reform programs when requested.
The Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission acknowledges the Solomon Islands Government and the Australian Government through the Australia Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice (ASIPJ) for co-funding the workshop.