Truth Commission and Indigenous Conflict Resolution in the Solomon Islands

<p>This paper deals with statement-taking activities carried out by the Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission （TRC） and the indigenous conflict resolution in the Solomon Islands. Especially, it focuses on the conflict between the statement-taking and local cultural norms there.</p> <p>The Solomon Islands experienced armed conflict from 1998 to 2003, in what is commonly referred to as “ethnic tension.” Attempts to resolve the conflict—which caused about two hundred deaths and a number of internally displaced persons—were made internationally, regionally and locally. The conflict finally ended in July 2003 thanks to the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands. However, social relations that had deteriorated due to the ethnic tension have not yet been fully repaired, with many problems having accumulated.</p> <p>The Australian-led mission immediately disarmed the militias, and arrested and prosecuted the perpetrators of the conflict in cooperation with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. Meanwhile, reconciliation—one of the most important tasks in post-conflict societies—was addressed by multiple agents, including the Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace, the Solomon Islands Christian Association, and the Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission.</p> <p>(View PDF for the rest of the abstract.)</p>