Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Solomon Islands)

[3] The purpose of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is to "address people's traumatic experiences during the five-year ethnic conflict on Guadalcanal (1999–2003)".

The members of the TRC will hear testimony from witnesses and victims of the violence, which killed over 100 people and displaced more than 20,000 internal refugees nationwide.

[6] The violence was finally quelled by the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), which was invited into the country by the government of former Prime Minister Allan Kemakeza in 2003.

[2] The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Derek Sikua announced the five members of the TRC on 27 April 2009, two days before the launch of the Commission.

[10] Prime Minister Derek Sikua told the crowd that the TRC marked an important day in the history of Solomon Islands and the years of ethnic violence which engulfed the country, "The launching of the Commission is a vital part of the efforts as Solomon Islands continue to work towards closure of a most challenging chapter in the history of the country, when disputes led to conflict and conflict erupted into violence between communities.

"[11] Tutu also hosted a conference called the Winds of Change, which brought together former combatants from Malaita and Guadalcanal for reconciliation talks.

[12][13] The opening of the hearings was attended by Governor-General Frank Kabui, Prime Minister Derek Sikua, Speaker of Parliament Sir Peter Kenilorea and the Chief Justice.