CSSI Legislative Review Validation Workshop Concludes in Honiara

Honiara, Solomon Islands – A full-day Legislative Review Validation Workshop on the Correctional Services Act and its Regulations was successfully held yesterday 19 August 2025 at the Heritage Park Hotel.

The event was convened by the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) with support from the Australia Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice (ASIPJ).

The workshop brought together key stakeholders from across government agencies to validate the final draft of the Legislative Review Report, Policy Paper, and Drafting Instructions. Its primary objective was to ensure that the proposed legislative reforms align with broader government priorities, policies, and cross-sectoral considerations, and to secure consensus and endorsement from participating ministries, agencies, and stakeholders in preparation for Cabinet submission.

In her opening remarks, Permanent Secretary for MPNSCS, Mrs. Karen Galokale, emphasized that this legislative review is more than just updating laws—it is about modernizing the legal framework for Correctional Services to reflect international best practices, uphold human rights standards, and address the operational realities of the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands.

“This work directly contributes to the National Development Strategy (NDS) Objective Two – strengthening national security, stability, and the rule of law; the National Security Strategy (NSS) priority of enhancing governance and security institutions; and the GNUT Policy Framework commitment to strengthen justice and correctional systems for peace, stability, and safe communities. A strong and modern correctional framework is essential for maintaining law and order, promoting rehabilitation and reintegration, and supporting overall national security and development,” says PS Galokale.

The final Legislative Review Report was presented by the Legal Policy Specialist Mrs. Joanna Kenilorea-Hanu, outlined key findings and considerations, including:

• The national context and text of the law
• Emerging policies, strategies, and practices
• Cross-sectoral collaboration and implementation capacity
• Recommendations for legislative and non-legislative reforms
• Identified challenges and proposed solutions

Commissioner of Correctional Service Solomon Islands, Mr. Mactus Forau, described the workshop as a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen the legal foundation of the Correctional Service.

“The current legislative framework has served us for many years, but the evolving nature of corrections, security, rehabilitation, and human rights standards requires us to modernize and realign our laws with both national priorities and international best practices,” said Commissioner Forau.

He reiterated the threefold purpose of the workshop:

• To present and validate the final draft of the Legislative Review Report, Policy Paper, and Drafting Instructions.
• To ensure alignment of the proposed legislative reforms with broader government priorities, policies, and cross-sectoral implications.
• To seek consensus and endorsement from government ministries, agencies, and stakeholders in attendance to support Cabinet submission.

Commissioner Forau encouraged active participation, noting that stakeholder contributions are critical to ensuring the legislative reforms are comprehensive, practical, and sustainable.

He acknowledged the continued and steadfast support of the Australian Government, through the Australia Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice (ASIPJ), and the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services in advancing this important legislative review.

Commissioner Mactus Forau delivered his opening remarks during the Legislative Review Validation Workshop.

Legal Policy Specialist Mrs. Joanna Kenilorea-Hanu presented the final Review Report.

Permanent Secretary for MPNSCS Ms. Karen Galokale delivered her key note address

Representatives from the government ministries during the Legislative Review Validation Workshop.

Ends//