Looking Toward a Stable Solomon Islands

11 March 2005

A unique public forum discussing nation building and humanitarian initiatives in the Solomon Islands will be held on Wednesday 16th March 2005 at the University of Melbourne. The once off event, which will be broadcast by Radio Australia’s well-respected regional programme – “Pacific Beat”, provides a rare opportunity to hear a panel of policy experts assess the work of the historic Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) and explore some of the implications for Australia's relations in the region.

The Australian-led mission, RAMSI, through ‘Operation Helpem Fren’, worked with Solomon Islands counterparts to stabilise government finances, revitalise public services and strengthen the justice and prison systems.

Moderated by Sean Dorney, Radio Australia’s (South) Pacific correspondent, the panel will feature: Dr Ellie Wainwright, Program Director at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute in Canberra and principal author of ASPI's policy paper on the Solomon Islands; Mr Chris Ryan, a former Director of Public Prosecutions in the Solomon Islands, who will describe re-building a crumbling legal system; and Dr Helen Durham, Legal Officer with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Pacific Region, who will discuss the application of International Humanitarian Law, the particular roles of the ICRC, and the work of spreading humanitarian values - in ways culturally relevant to the Pacific.

This event is the first Asia-Pacific Solferino Lecture of 2005 and is presented by the International Humanitarian Law Department of the Australian Red Cross and Asialink. Australian Red Cross and Asialink urge everyone with an interest in the topic to attend the event at the University of Melbourne on Wednesday 16th March at 6.45pm in the Basement Theatre, Sidney Myer Asia Centre. Admission is $10 for adults or $5 for students, members and concessions. Tickets are available at the door, however RSVPs are appreciated.

Asialink, The University of Melbourne

Looking Toward a Stable Solomon Islands