As per The Constitution of Solomon Islands Statutory Instruments[3] Chapter II outlines the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual: However, there are Human Rights concerns and issues in regards to education, water, sanitation, women and persons who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) Solomon Islands joined the United Nations in 1978.
Despite the government's 2010 policy statement,[7] which committed to ensuring all Solomon Islanders have equal access to quality education, this is an ongoing issue that is still being addressed.
The traditional view is that persons with disabilities are cared for and looked after, therefore not required or expected to be an active part in the community.
[11] This figure was worse in rural areas and people surveyed stated that secondary school fees were too expensive for families.
Water-borne disease and lack of proper sanitation is a major risk and concerned locals have commented that sickness caused from unsafe drinking water has prevented children from attending school.
Article 15 ICESCR sets out the criteria for the full enjoyment of the right to water including availability, quality and accessibility.
In Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands, there are many overcrowded slums as a result of people moving to urban areas in search of opportunities.
This has resulted in the unavailability of clean water, leaving residents faced with a long and sometimes dangerous journey to find it.
These people often opt instead to wash clothes, dishes and themselves in dirty water, putting them at risk of disease.
This is an issue especially in Honiara's slums where men attack women either physically or sexually making them too afraid to use communal toilets at night.
[citation needed] In 2011 the Women's Rights Action Movement was founded, which built on the lobbying of the previous years.
[15] The lack of a women's right to privacy in Solomon Islands is more prevalent in the slums with shared bathing, washing and toilets facilities.