The Government of Solomon Islands has reiterated its commitment to tackling the persistent threat posed by Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) at the National UXO Coordination Meeting held recently. Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Jimson Tanangada, opened the meeting by stressing the urgent need for coordinated actions to address this pressing security issue that impacts safety and development in the region.
Over eight decades after World War II, UXOs continue to pose a significant risk across land and sea in the Solomon Islands, endangering lives, hindering agricultural and economic progress, and compromising community safety. Tanangada emphasized that UXOs represent not only a historical concern but a contemporary challenge requiring immediate, sustained collaboration among the government, partners, and local communities.
The government has made strides by approving a National UXO Policy, which lays out a comprehensive framework for ministries, agencies, and partners to unify their responses. In line with this policy, the Ministry of Police is establishing a dedicated UXO Division to oversee and coordinate UXO-related activities, alongside formulating specific legislation to enforce safety and management standards.
Minister Tanangada encouraged innovation and a proactive approach to collective responsibility among all stakeholders involved in addressing UXO issues. He also highlighted the significance of the meeting to assess progress, set priorities, and strengthen partnerships to implement a national UXO action plan over the coming year.
As the Solomon Islands prepares to assume the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum until September 2026, UXO issues have become a focal point of regional security discussions. This elevated platform allows for enhanced dialogue and mobilizes support from international donors and technical expertise to tackle UXO challenges more effectively.
Tanangada expressed gratitude toward international partners, including the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, UNDP, and The HALO Trust, whose continued support remains crucial for capacity building and safe UXO clearance operations. He outlined a shared vision for making the Solomon Islands and the broader Pacific region safer through cooperative efforts and innovative solutions.
Minister Tanangada concluded the meeting with a hopeful message emphasizing that together, stakeholders can transform the long-standing issue of UXOs into an opportunity for creating safer and more sustainable communities. This collaborative spirit not only aims to mitigate risks but also fosters an environment for future development across the region.
Leave a comment