BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
DISCUSSIONS are underway between Government officials and stakeholders for the development of a National Resettlement Policy.
Solomon Islanders continue to face issues with resettlement thus this initiative is a timely one for the country.
With the issues of climate change, natural disaster, and land dispute rife in Solomon Islands, outcomes of this session will pave the way for the Solomon Islands Government to address issues of resettlement.
Currently there is no national policy in addressing the natural and social issues of resettlement or relocation.
The first consultation of its sort, the Lands Ministry is meeting with stakeholders in the country to look at ways in which they can work towards the development of the National Resettlement Policy.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey Mr Stanley Waleanisia said their discussion yesterday was to come up with roadmap for Solomon Islands addressing resettlements.
He said, “The presentation today [yesterday] on land issues in resettlement certainly will be helping us see the difficulties in any relocation scheme by private and public sector.
“It is anticipated that this proposed Solomon Islands resettlement and relocation policy be inclusive and as much as possible accommodate the UN policy—Live no one Behind.
“This means the policy must not only be natural disaster but includes displacements caused by development.”
He adds, in the past Solomon Islands lost many lives due to natural disaster, development and urbanisation thus creating such policy will help to critically look at these areas.
Yesterday, presentations were given by specialists who have done case studies on resettlements, climate change and natural disasters.
The different presentations done yesterday brought light to the issues currently faced in Solomon Islands.
Despite lack of attendance by many invited, the workshop progressed positively throughout the day.
The final session is today.
