SOLOMON ISLAND GOVERNMENT ##### NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVERNMENT ## NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY ###### MINISTRY OF POLICE, NATIONAL SECURITY AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICE ----- ### Contents Table of Content……………………………………………………………………………….i Foreword by the Prime Minister ................................................................................................ ii Overview by the Minister…………………………………………………………………….iii Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………………...v **PART 1: Solomon Island In Context** Geography…..…………………………………………………………………………………1 Government……..……………………………………………………………………………..2 Judiciary……………..…………………………………………………………………….......3 Parliament………………..………………………………………………………………........4 **PART 2: Purpose, Vision, Mission and Definition** Purpose.………………………...………………………………………………………….......5 Vision, Mission Principles...…………………………………………...………………….......6 Defining our National Security Strategy………………...….............................................……7 **PART 3: Fundamentals** National Security Fundamentals…...……………………………………………………….....8 National Security Pillar……………...………………………………………………..............9 National Security Goals……………...……………………………………………………... 22 **PART 4: National Security Governance Structure** National Security Governance Structure……………………………………………………..23 National Security Council…………………...…........……………………………………….23 National Security Advisory Committee……...………………………...…………………….24 Secretariat………………………………………...…………………………………….…….24 National Security Working Group...…………………...…………………………………….24 Provincial Security Taskforce………………………...………………………………...........25 **PART 5: Solomon Island Security Environment** Security threats facing Solomon Island….................................………………………..........29 **PART 6: Conclusion** Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………30 **PART 7: Annexures** **Annex 1: Abbreviations and Acronyms….…………………………………………….........32** **Annex 2: Institutions and Agencies role are important to National Security ……………….35** **Annex 3: Solomon Island International Commitment.……………………………………....37** **Annex 4: Regional Facilities………………….......................................................................39** ----- ## Foreword by the Prime Minister In this day and age, we are challenged by many threats that have impacted our way of life. No longer can Solomon Islands, as a sovereign nation, ride on complacency and surrender to chance, hoping that somehow these threats will fizzle away. Instead, we must be strategic and discern strategies to tackle these threats, so that our nation is protected, and the safety of our citizens is guaranteed. This is why we must have a National Security Strategy (NSS). My Government, the Democratic Coalition for Government Advancement (DCGA), is committed to fully implement the NSS. In fact the NSS was conceived under my earlier Prime Ministership during the DCCG Government that I led from 2014. In this regard, we, as a responsible Government, will be resourcing the full implementation of the NSS to ensure that its goals are fully realized for the benefit of our nation. The NSS provides an assurance for concerted national effort to contain environmental hazards and internal or external challenges from infringing on our ambition to forge a peaceful and prosperous Solomon Islands for all. The NSS is a national call for all citizens, state agencies, private sector institutions, communities, traditional leaders, churches, men, women, youths, and our nation as a whole, to rise and take action to subdue, terrorism, human and illicit goods trafficking, people smuggling, corruption, illegal border crossing, political instability, bio-hazards, climate change, geo-political intrusions, infectious disease manifestations like Covid-19 pandemic, piracy, IUU resource exploitation and border invasions all of which have potential to affront our sovereignty and peaceful national order. As Prime Minister, I am particularly proud that we now have a National Security Strategy for the first time in our history. Our country has been continuously challenged by wide range of threats. The NSS is fundamentally important in charting our future course. Let us build on the NSS and implement the strategic actions therein to ensure capabilities to protect our security are credible and can be respected. Our country is in the part of the Pacific, which some call the “arc of instability”. It is an imperative our nation must seriously commit to provide adequate resource to implement the NSS. Investing in the NSS upfront will help prevent surprises. It will help to position our country strategically and equip it to deal with any situation or threat may arise. ----- This foundation upon which I, as Prime Minister of our beloved country, avidly call for the full implementation of the NSS across all Government agencies, under the leadership of my office and the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Service (MPNSCS). I am grateful to the MPNSCS team, especially the Minister and Permanent Secretary, for leading the development of the NSS. I also thank the consultants and the national security advisor of my office for assisting the team to formulate and validate the NSS. On behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands, I wish to personally thank everyone that have contributed one way or another in the realization of this strategy for your hard work in ensuring we are able to embrace this document today. May this document help maintain peace and security of our Happy Isles as it is translated into action and keep our country safe from shore to shore. ###### Hon. Manasseh Damukana Sogavare Prime Minister of Solomon Islands ###### Hon. Manasseh Damukana Sogavare ----- ## Overview ###### By the Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services I am very pleased that finally the work for developing the National Security Strategy (NSS) has been completed. This work started in 2016 and the first draft was actually drafted and completed in late 2018. A long process of consultation had ensued, covering all the Provinces which then generated a huge repository of valuable information that had informed the drafting of the NSS. The NSS has five pillars on sovereignty, government, economy, society and people, and environment. It has 13 goals, grouped for ease of reference under each pillar. The goals, called National Security Goals, are broadly-based and multifaceted. It is hoped that the NSS will be supported by its own legislation, so that it can have perpetuity and legal grounding. This would allow the NSS to remain a standing national document that cannot be easily changed by the influences of politics that, as we know too well, can often render important documents of this kind tentative compilations. Therefore, an NSS Act will be formulated and tabled in Parliament to protect the NSS so that our nation can look forward to policy stability and coherence. However, to ensure the NSS remains current and relevant, it will be a living document and will be subject to regular revision when required. Finally, an implementation plan ensures that there is a framework that will guide the implementation of the NSS so that those who are involved in its implementation can work to one document that assure coordinated and concerted effort. In this regard, while it is hoped a whole of SIG responsibility will be afforded to its implementation, the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, will be the lead ministry responsible for coordination and implementation of the NSS. On this note, while, we, as a ministry are proud that the formulation work has been completed, the harder job of implementation is still ahead and whatever help others, especially our partners, can extend to support the implementation process will be greatly appreciated. I wish to end by thanking the Permanent Secretary, and the ministry team, for working really hard to ensure the NSS is eventually completed. The leadership of the Permanent Secretary has been exceptional and I count on the permanent secretary and the ministry team to progress the implementation. I call on the entire staff of the Ministry to support the Permanent Secretary and the National Security Team to ensure successful implementation of the NSS. ###### Hon, Anthony Kamutulaka Veke, MP _Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services_ ----- ## Executive Summary In this age of evolving global and regional security landscape, it is increasingly becoming intricate and complex. The expanded mode of security issues, including the traditional and non-tradition security threats, have challenged Solomon Islands’ sovereignty, peace and stability. It is, therefore, important that Solomon Islands pursues a robust action to strengthen the internal mechanisms and work together with the regional and global communities to address threats collectively. It is on this perspective that Solomon Islands has developed a National Security Strategy that provides a pathway to address the security challenges of the country. The NSS has seven parts. Part 1 looks at Solomon Islands context, the Geography, Government, Judiciary and Parliament. Part 2 outlines the Purpose, vision, mission, principles, and definitions. Part 3 outlines the pillars and goals. Part 4 discusses the National Security Governance Architecture, Part 5 outlines the security threats that are facing Solomon Islands, and Part 6 has the conclusion. Finally, Part 7 contains the annexures which provides a space to attach relevant information that are valuable for knowledge sharing but has the potential to disrupt the flow of discussion if included in the substantive parts of the NSS. There are four attachments in the annexures. The first one lists the abbreviations and acronyms used in the Strategy. The second documents the ministries and agencies which play a critical role in our National Security. The third contains the international and regional conventions and Treaties to which Solomon Islands is a party, and the fourth lists the regional and international mechanisms and facilities that can be a resource to Solomon Islands in pursuit of enhancing the implementation of the NSS. It has taken, over few years, much consultation and engaged validation to develop the NSS. On this basis it is inclusive, relevant and has broad buy-in across Solomon Islands. Although drafted, so that it adheres to our foreign policy strategic posture as, “friend to all and enemy to none”, ultimately the NSS seeks to protect our national interest as a sovereign nation. The NSS will be a living document and will be subject to reviews and updating. The implementation of the NSS will be a whole of government approach and will be coordinated by MPNSCS. In this regard, capacity building, financial resourcing and technical assistance will be pivotal in ensuring there is sufficient capacity to be drawn on to support implementation of the NSS. To this end, going forward, capacity of the MPNSCS, especially the National Security Division of the ministry, must be augmented to allow for the coordination and operational functions to be delivered as quickly as possible to preface the implementation of the NSS. ----- # PART 1 ###### SOLOMON ISLANDS IN CONTEXT ________________________________________________________ GEOGRAPY, GOVERNMENT, JUDICIARY, PARLIAMENT 1.1 GEOGRAPHY Solomon Islands is made up of nine provinces and one municipality. The Provinces are Guadalcanal, Malaita, Western, Choiseul, Central, Isabel, Makira/Ulawa, Temotu and Rennell and Bellona. The Municipality is Honiara, the capital city. The nine provinces have their own provincial capitals. Solomon Islands is in close proximity with Papua New Guinea in the northwest, bordering the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The Santa Cruz Islands of Solomon Islands are bordered to the southeast by the Torres and Banks Islands, which are a part of Vanuatu. Ontong Java Atoll, in Malaita Province, and the Solomon Islands’ northern-most island, also shares a border with Papua New Guinea. Rennell and Bellona Province is in the south of the country bordering New Caledonia. Solomon Island Exclusive Zone (EEZ) borders with that of Australia in the Coral Seas to the South. **Figure 1:** Solomon Island Map ----- ###### 1.2 GOVERNMENT Solomon Islands was a British protectorate before gaining its independence in 1978. It inherited a parliamentary democracy from Britain. The parliamentary democracy recognizes a constitutional monarchy with the British monarch, serving as the formal head of state and being represented by the Governor-General, who is elected by the National Parliament. Our National Parliament is made up of 50 members that are elected for a four-year term by universal suffrage. Legislative power lies with the 50 members of Parliament. Executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The Prime Minister, who is head of the Cabinet, is elected by a simple majority of members of Parliament, through a meeting, presided by the Governor General. Cabinet Ministers are appointed by the Governor General from among the members of Parliament based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. Once appointed, Ministers become part of the executive Government and, barring the success of votes of no confidence in the Prime Minister, the Government serves for four years. Solomon Islands Government has 23 ministries. Each ministry is headed by a Minister, who is a member of Cabinet and has a Permanent Secretary, who is the administrative head of a ministry. MPNSCS is responsible for the nation’s national security, and it is the lead ministry for developing, managing and coordinating all efforts at solidifying the nation’s security. ----- ###### 1.3 JUDICIARY Judicial power lies within the Judiciary, comprising of a Court of Appeal, High Court, Magistrates Courts, Local Courts and Customary Land Appeal Court. The judiciary branch of the government is responsible to interpret and apply the laws of Solomon Islands, to ensure equal justice under law, and provide the mechanism for dispute resolution. The court system include local court, customary land appeal court, magistrate court, high court and the court of appeal. The Ministry of justice and legal affairs provide administration support to the judicial body. **Figure 2: Solomon Islands Judicial System.** The Chief Justice of Solomon Islands is the head of the Judiciary and is appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister who normally acts on a recommendation by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission. ----- ###### 1.4 PARLIAMENT The parliament of Solomon Islands is a unicameral chamber. The parliament plays a pivotal role in making laws for the peace, order and governance of Solomon Islands. The speaker of parliament is elected by members of Parliament for a four year term and presides over a chamber of fifty members of parliament. **Parliamentary Standing Committees** The National Parliament of Solomon Islands has a committee system that enables members to examine issues in more detail than is in the house. It also enables the public to have direct input into parliamentary process. These committees have a vital role in making sure that National Security issues are critically discussed outside of the house. The role of the Foreign Relations Committee is critical to security given that it presides on matters of our foreign relations. Also the Police, National Security and Correction Service Committee which are established to enquire into, make observations and recommendations on matters referring to it by parliament or government relating to National Security. ----- # PART 2 ###### PURPOSE, VISION, MISSION AND PRINCIPLES AND DEFINING OUR NATIONAL SECURTY. PURPOSE The NSS is intended to bring to the fore the importance of national security, in order to alert every citizen, and especially policy makers, to act proactively and support this national priority. National security is vital for nation building, because it protects our sovereignty from both traditional threats and Human Security threats that are presented and challenge our nation. As a nation, all citizens must be aware of what needs to be done to safeguard our national interest and sovereignty. Led by relevant Government Institutions, the NSS coordinates every action for maximum impact. It also provides an enduring sense of purpose for all Solomon Islanders to set aside their differences, through embracing a common purpose working towards building a peaceful and prosperous future for all. The NSS avoids “muddling through” and sets a clear pathway for actions to combat threats facing Solomon Islands. It provides a sense of direction towards achieving the goals of the NSS for security and peace. The NSS is a blueprint for Solomon Islands to protect its sovereignty and all its citizens from Internal and external threats, natural hazard and climate change, which can never be sufficiently prepared to deal with as a nation. In this regard, the NSS is a tool to help our nation respond to these threats to protect our people, our land, our Government and institutions, our oceans and our air space. Against this background, the NSS is fundamentally a national roadmap which is based on five pillars – Sovereignty, Government, Economy, People and Society, and Environment. In essence, the purposes of the NSS are: (i) Solicit and elevate support for national security in the country; (ii) Increase consciousness on national security; (iii) Provides a sense of direction for all to act in a coordinated manner in dealing with National Security matters; (iv) A blue print to guide any work on national security; (v) A roadmap for keeping our nation and people safe; and (vi) A tool for helping our nation to prepare to respond to threats that affront our sovereignty, national interests and impacts of any global pandemic. ----- ###### 2.3 OUR VISION, MISSION & PRINCIPLES ----- ###### 2.2 Definition of the National Security Strategy ###### National Security ###### National Security ----- # PART 3 ###### Fundamentals of the National Security Strategy Since its inception as an independent and sovereign country, Solomon Islands has not had a national security strategy to address the nation’s security challenges in a consistent and coordinated manner. The absence of such a strategy makes it difficult for the country to implement effectively, the whole-of-government policies to address the multitude of security concerns, both internal and external, which threaten Solomon Islands. Ultimately, this places Solomon Islands in a vulnerable position with greater risk to its peace and national security. The inability to comprehensively mitigate these threats prevents Solomon Islands from effectively safeguarding its national interests and protecting the nation’s future prosperity. Beyond working to address existing security challenges in the pursuit of peace and promoting security, Solomon Islands, as a country, must be prepared and equipped to resolve conflicts and mitigate threats before they escalate and harm vital national interests. Recognising that the development of the NSS would assist the country in addressing the complexities of the global, regional, and national security environment, the Solomon Islands Government issued a mandate for the creation of the first NSS. The government tasked the National Security Division (NSD) of the MPNSCS task with this historic and vital undertaking on behalf of the government and people of Solomon Islands. This document complements the strategic direction provided by the government, and outlined in the National Development Strategy (NDS), which are based, in part, upon the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, extensive consultations were conducted with government ministries and agencies; provinces; development partners; key stakeholders such as nongovernment organizations, traditional leaders, churches and faith-based organizations, schools and universities, and community groups; and – most importantly – the people of Solomon Islands. The breadth of consultations throughout the provinces and communities has helped to make this document uniquely Solomon Islands’ owned, and responsive to the wide range of national security issues facing the country. The discussion, debate, formulation, and ultimate fruition of the NSS has been in keeping with the Solomon Islands Government’s theme of becoming a peaceful, united, and progressive country through the united efforts of its leadership. Under the guidance of ethical, accountable, respected, and credible leadership, the government and people of Solomon Islands can collectively work together to achieve these aspirations with the understanding that security, development, and prosperity are inexorably connected. The NSS is an indispensable tool to assist in that effort. The NSS defines the guidance for coordinating security for the people of Solomon Islands by providing a framework for government institutions, security partners, and key stakeholders to facilitate the country’s security goals. ----- ###### 3.1 NATIONAL SECURITY PILLARS The NSS was created based on the understanding that national security efforts must focus on five critical pillars of national interest. ###### 1. Sovereignty Protecting our territory, people, institutions and the Constitution; ###### 2. Government Ensuring the stability and integrity of the government and political system; ###### 3. Economy Safeguarding the country’s economic prosperity and resources; ###### 4. People and Society Protecting the country’s citizens, communities, culture, and civilization; ###### 5. Environment Preserving and protecting the environment. ###### The Pillars are the precursors of the NSS; therefore, their purpose is to provide the basis on which the goals and corresponding strategic actions are founded. ----- ###### 3.2 NATIONAL SECURITY GOALS (NSG) Fundamentally, the goals are the ambitions that Solomon Islands will endeavour to attain in order to keep its nation safe NSG 1: Provide for national the importance of conflict prevention and resolution by peaceful means. ###### security and defence Solomon Islands currently has no established military, paramilitary, or defence force for national defence and security. Therefore, government institutions, preventive diplomacy, law enforcement agencies, key security partnerships, and participation in regional and global organisations are cornerstones of the approach for protecting the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the State. At the international level, Solomon Islands is a Member State of the United Nations, and the UN General Assembly provides a forum for all Member States to address issues on peace and security. The UN Security Council has primary responsibility, under the UN Charter, for the maintenance of international peace and security. The Security Council can be called upon by Member States, including Solomon Islands, to take enforcement measures in the event of a threat to peace or an act of aggression toward the state. Regionally, Solomon Islands national security is supported by PIF and key Forum Leaders’ Declarations - like the Biketawa Declaration - which guides the region’s collaborative approach to security. The Biketawa Declaration provides a framework for coordinating the Pacific Island Forum response to crises based on a recognition of the vulnerability of member countries on o threats to their security, broadly defined, and the importance of cooperation among members in dealing with such threats when they arise. The Declaration also stresses In 2018 the Pacific Island Forum leaders sign the With the changing security dynamics, geopolitical environment, Climate Change Pacific Island Forum Leaders has sign the Boe Declaration as a framework that guides the region collaborative approach to the new security environment The Boe Declaration in succession to other regional security framework it provided for regional security, and also strengthen of national security framework and enabling environment. National defence capabilities for protecting our nation and all its territories is the government ultimate goal. RSIPF, established under the Constitution and the Police Act, plays a prominent role in maintaining national security. RSIPF is in the frontline charged with keeping law and order and almost all necessary matters relating to national security. The RSIPF has a maritime division, which is also responsible for surveillance of our vast EEZ and borders. It also, responds to emergency and relief work required by the National Disaster Management Office during disaster situations. In all accounts, the RSIPF does a lot beyond its traditional policing role. It is, therefore, important to strengthen all the law enforcement agencies that have a role in protecting our national security. ----- **Strategic Actions** - Support RSIPF capacity and strategic capabilities plan including community policing program. - Improve coordination among LEAs to assist with national security to reduce dependence on police. - Develop and establish a Coast Guard to support our Solomon Island Maritime and Police Maritime. - Support the implementation of the Boe declaration. ###### NSG 2: Secure the country’s borders and territory Solomon Islands is increasingly exposed to opportunities and risk associated with increased international and regional trade, the ease of mobility for people and capital in the region, greater accessibility through technology and modernisation. Solomon Islands,with its porous borders, is vulnerable to illegal activities such as human trafficking, poaching of natural resources, movements of small arms, drug smuggling/contrabands and armed incursion. On this premises, it is important that Border Agencies must work to address insecurities and illegal activities. Protecting our borders is essential to national security, development and economic prosperity. In terms of International partnership, Solomon Islands government is committed to work with its bilateral and regional partners to enhance cooperation to address border security issues. The national border strategy is a step in the right direction in addressing multiple security issues affecting our citizens at the borders. Furthermore, the coronavirus has taught us P a g e | 11 a lot of lessons on gaps that exist in our maritime borders which need strengthening in order to address our border security. **Strategic Actions** - Support the implementation of the National Border Strategy. - Establish police station/post at strategic location at the borders. - Improve and strengthen the capabilities of our law enforcement agencies. - Enhance cooperation with regional and international communities in addressing mutual border security issues. - Improve the communication at all our borders and maritime boundaries. ###### NSG 3: Develop information security and cybersecurity capabilities In this era, cyber space and information communication technology (ICT) is becoming an important component of Solomon Islands. Protecting both our physical and soft communication infrastructure is crucial. Information security is a critical part of maintaining the government integrity and credibility. Hence, protecting information from unauthorised access, use, disruption, or destruction, regardless of whether the information is stored electronically or physically is a government responsibility. Furthermore, information security is essential to good governance and public confidence, and the government confidentiality. Recently, the technological advancement of the region has taken an unprecedented ----- path. Solomon Islands has recently receive the fibre optic cable which will increase its internet capability. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant to the security risk associate with such shift in technology. In this regard, the government must develop information security framework that describe best standards and mechanism to maintain and manage Solomon Islands cyber safety. Also, continue to build public- private partnership and capacity to strengthen measures against cyber threats. **Strategic Actions.** - Formulate a cyber-security strategy, cyber security legislation, and cyber policies. - Capacity building based on international recognised cyber security standards. - Strengthen cooperation with international partners on cyber security, and build cyber capacity - Improve security posture and ensure leadership role in cyber security to ensure cyber security risks are managed. ###### NSG 4: Strengthen government institutions and frameworks capabilities In order to defend against the range of complex threats facing the country, the government institutions and agencies that front our national security efforts must be strengthened. The complex threat facing the globe, region and Solomon Islands as a country require a comprehensive approaches through the “whole of government approach”. The need for a unified approach to national security challenges necessitates the ongoing improvement of legislation, structure, P a g e | 12 management, and readiness of national, provincial and community capabilities. Addition to these is the capacity to coordinate and respond effectively across government sectors. **Ministry of Public Service** Recognising that public servants provide a vital role within government through providing the skills, institutional knowledge, and continuity to maintain government functions, the Ministry of Public Service (MPS) is working to improve planning, strengthen management systems, and develop a professional and committed public service workforce to improve public service delivery. These improvements are advantageous for enabling the Solomon Islands Government to function more efficiently and effectively with the added benefit of preparing public servants to assist with their organisation’s role in national security response efforts. **Provincial Government** Provincial Governments contribute to national security efforts through ensuring the safety and stability of the provinces and identifying threats and challenges within the province. The administrative and communication links between the national government and provincial government is important and must be improved. The Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening provides a critical link between the national government and the provincial governments. As the national government works to implement the national security framework, it will continue to engage with provincial government as a key stakeholder in that process. Thus, support by providing adequate resource, needed for the ----- provincial government to function effectively is required. **Community chiefs and leaders** Community chief, elders, women and leaders are an important part of maintaining security, law and order at the community level. The ‘third tier level’ leaders remains a primary source of authority and stability throughout the country. They also serve as source of intelligence information necessary for identification and early responses to security challenges. Within their communities, these leaders help to maintain cultural practices and traditions, societal harmony, and peace and stability. Traditional leaders are also typically called upon by the people of Solomon Islands to resolve disputes within their own communities rather than police and legal systems only. The government is working to formally acknowledge this authority in law, removing the ambiguous situation where the relationship between custom and statute law is unclear. This will also help to raise the threshold at which the police become involved in many minor manners. **Churches and religious groups** Churches and religious organisations, also, provide an important element of social stability and help to guide communities. Post-conflict reconciliation programs served to highlight the important role that the church plays in restoring and maintaining peace. Churches and religious organisations are recognised for their pivotal role in the spiritual development of the country, thus shaping and guiding the moral behaviour of the people. The support and counselling provided by the churches, together with their wider community activities, complement the P a g e | 13 government’s development and social welfare policies, particularly in relation to youth and others who feel aggrieved or disadvantaged. Conversely, other religious organisations and cultural movements may disrupt peaceful co-existence within communities, thereby threatening the security of the community, province, and country. **Strategic Actions** - Provide and support a coordinating mechanism for a whole of government approach to address National security issues. - Provide empowerment, capacity building and development initiative to traditional, youth, women and church leaders on peace building and security. - Support and strengthen traditional governance framework in dealing with security matters. - Collaborate with Provincial government and other institution in dealing with their security concerns. - Review and improve public service pay structure and conditions. ###### NSG 5: Combat corruption in the country Corruption continues to exist in many parts of the world and it affects government’s obligation to service delivery, destabilize economic development and impinge on social justice and harmony. Solomon Islands acknowledges the reality of the thriving corruption that has negatively impacted lots of aspects in our society. The nexus between corruptions, lack of progressive development and economic growth is a ----- threat to our national stability. Therefore, combating corruption is crucial and will pave the way for national development and the economy to thrive. Importantly, understanding our economic fragility, Solomon Islands must take firm steps in combating corruption. Implementing the Anti-corruption legislation is a way forward in addressing corruption. Furthermore, Solomon Islands has acceded to UNCAC and committed itself to comply with the provision of the convention. Solomon Islands government will continue to work towards building transparent and strong governance mechanisms. **Strategic Actions** - Implementation of the Anti Corruption Act. - Support the role of Leadership Code Commission, Ombudsman, and Anti-Corruptions Commission to promote good governance, transparency and accountability; - Set-up anti-corruption bodies in the provinces. - Continue working towards compliance with UNCAC. ###### NSG 6: Strengthen the Justice system The justice system is the corner stone of our security apparatus. It must have the resources and capacity to be able to deliver and assure that justice is accessible to every Solomon Islander. This goal seeks to provide support to the justice sector so that it is able to deliver justice to all its citizens. Solomon Islands will continue to foster more effective and timely justice responses across the country in order to maintain peace and stability. P a g e | 14 Also it is important to acknowledge our overlapping systems of dispute management. For instance, the non-state customary that associates with traditional authority of chiefs, which most used mechanism to deal with disputes and grievance at the community level. The system ensures access to justice at all levels to prevent discontent and conflict that might arise within communities, and which might lead to security concern. It is imperative to recognize that all systems and aspects of community depend largely on well-established and grounded principle of justice and rule of law. **Strategic Actions** - Provide and improve quality access to justice including provision of more judges to the benches and magistrate to the provinces; - Build magistrate buildings and court rooms in Honiara and the provinces. - Provide adequate budgetary support to the justice sector. - Support the proposed National Security Bill. - Strengthen the court circuits to all the province. - Develop and strengthen the informal justice system. ###### NSG 7: Promote prosperity through growing a strong and stable economy The aspiration for all Solomon Islanders is to build a better life for their families, communities and future generations. A strong economy will help to facilitate this aspiration. However, there is a lot of constraints to our economic growth and private sector investment remains. The ----- National Development Strategy provides for long term development and reform of the productive sector to increase export earning in productive sector. Fulfilling the NDS is necessary as it could support the stability and security of our country’s economy. It is equally important that we maintain and sustain a stable economy as it underpins national security. While Solomon Island is susceptible to global economic shock due to the narrow economic base, economic reform is important to expand the country’s economic base. In addition, Solomon Islands must continue to maintain close relations with development and international partners in addressing global issues that have an impact on our local economy such as Covid-19. **Strategic Actions** - Improve the environment for private sector development and increase investment opportunities; - Strengthen land reform systems to encourage economic development in urban, rural and customary lands. - Increase employment and labour mobility opportunities. - Ensure access to quality education so the nation’s manpower is sustainably met. - Expand the productive sectors in SI - Provide effective mechanisms to support entrepreneurship; - Support the economic growth Centre across SI. - Support the development of SMEs in all aspects to enable growth. P a g e | 15 ###### NSG 8: Develop the country’s infrastructure Solomon Islands must invest more in infrastructure development. Limited physical infrastructure hinders economic growth and national security capabilities. Working together to enhance standard of infrastructure facilities will boost development and prosperity for Solomon Islands. Good infrastructure provides a nation with the ability to increase production, improve the quality of life and stimulate economic growth by inclusive participation of the population in economic activities. National critical infrastructure such as transportation, energy and power, communication, Ports, Airports and Health systems are key drivers of development and security, hence, it is important that the government invests in these sectors. A National Infrastructure Investment Plan highlights Solomon Islands’ key priority investments, focusing on infrastructure projects that contribute to economic growth. Current infrastructure development in three key areas will help to improve security and resilience in Solomon Islands: (i) transportation, (ii), energy and power, and (iii), communication. Access to reliable transportation that connects populated areas to markets and productive resources among our islands, country-wide helps create employment and improve livelihoods. The expansion of power infrastructure and investments in the upgrade and maintenance of existing assets will help improve electricity access in Solomon Islands. Access to energy services can have an enormous impact on productivity, education, health, water, sanitation, and ----- communication services which cross all sectors. Projects like the Tina River Hydropower Project will provide reliable power supplies, and will simultaneously promote the use of renewable energy. The addition of electricity to remote areas is important in helping to increase rural development. Solomon Islands communication infrastructure is also a critical component of the country’s economy, underlying the operations of business, public safety organisations, and government. The private sector, as owners and operators of the majority of communications infrastructure, is the primary entity responsible for protecting communication infrastructure and assets. The government works closely with the private sector to ensure that communication is reliable and that national leadership is able to communicate in times of crisis in order to effect response and recovery operations. The installation of the undersea fibre optic cable linking Solomon Islands to Australia will include the private sector as a stakeholder in securing sector infrastructure and assets. **Strategic Actions** - Support the national Infrastructure plan 2013 – 2023. - Support and implement the National energy strategic plan. - Support and implement. Communication Strategic Plan. - Build, refurbish and expand all provincial substations, institution, and infrastructure. - Establish and support the local Road Authority P a g e | 16 ###### NSG 9: Safeguard the country’s natural resources, environment and, anticipate, prepare for and confront climate change Over the last decade, economic growth in Solomon Islands was largely driven by the resources sector. The country’s resources contribute significantly to the generation of national wealth, with more than half of Solomon Islands’ GDP being provided by the forestry sector. Effectively managing the forestry sector remains a challenge, and unsustainable logging has had serious impacts on forest land availability, resulting in significant loss in forestry resources including biodiversity. Protecting Solomon Islands environment and natural resources is a government priority. Solomon Islands, therefore, will continue to improve its laws and step up its compliance, enforcements, education and holistic management approaches. The proper regulation, management, and conservation of Solomon Islands’ natural resources is essential for on-going economic prosperity and for maintaining community sustainability. Sustainability assures that we are conserving for the future development of our future generations. Solomon Islands must take safeguard measures to promote sustainable use of its natural resources and also strengthen its adaptation strategies against climate change. **Climate Change** Like most countries within the Pacific Islands region, Solomon Islands is extremely vulnerable to climate change and the associated sea-level rise. Climate change impacts Solomon Islands in many ways. ----- Sea-level rise is an immediate concern as rising sea-levels cause widespread erosion and inundation of low-lying atolls in the Pacific Islands region. Solomon Islands has seen annual sea levels rise by as much as 10mm over the last two decades. Erosion and inundation result in large swaths of land being washed into the sea or submerged, which has the potential to destroy villages and to force people to relocate. In 2018 Pacific Islands Forum, Leaders affirm that climate change presents the single greatest threat to the livelihood, security and wellbeing of Pacific people. Under this commitment, Solomon Islands will work with regional and international partners in advocating climate responsibility and working towards building resilient communities. **Strategic Actions** - Conduct robust EIAs for all development projects and commercial undertakings. - Increase compliance with environmental safeguards therefore reduce pollution. - Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters. - Integrate climate change measures in to Solomon Islands Government policies, strategies, and planning ; - Improve education, awareness, and capacity on climate change mitigation, adaption, impact reduction, and early warning system. - Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management, including focusing on women, youth, and local and marginalised communities. P a g e | 17 - Review Mines and Mineral Act, and Environmental Act. - Set high penalties for breaches of environmental safeguards. ###### NSG 10: Respond to threats, crises, and disasters As a nation, Solomon Islands must have some capacity to provide a first response to threats, crises and disasters. To date, that first response capacity is very limited and a lot more work needs to be done to build this capacity. Solomon Islands is susceptible to a wide range of hazards, such as cyclones, storm surges, floods, drought, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, volcanic eruptions, fires, agriculture pests and diseases, aviation and maritime disasters, marine pollution, and other man-made threats, including unexploded ordnance, and the civil impacts of conflict. These existing hazards are magnified as climate change causes changes in rainfall patterns, increased severity of storms, and rises in sea levels. These vulnerabilities are also intensified by poverty, population growth, and continued urbanisation. Natural disasters, in particular, can severely impact the national economy and test the country’s ability to provide support and assistance to all of its people. Therefore, effectively manage all types of emergencies, in building capability to prepare for disasters in order to reduce or eliminate long-term effects to people and their property from hazards and to respond to and recover from major incidents. The National Disaster Management Plan 2018, developed under the strategic oversight and direction of the National Disaster Council, provides for the ----- institutional arrangements that allow the government to effectively manage disasters within the country. The plan includes elements of preparedness and early warning, response, and recovery arrangements at all levels of government and with the private and non-profit sectors. **Strategic Actions** - Support and strengthen the implementation of the national emergency response plan. - Supporting self-help at all levels of government and avoiding dependence. - Leading disaster response and coordinating internal and external support through government arrangements. - Utilizing assessment as the key to effective response. - Delivering response through the sectors and through provincial and local arrangements. - Coordinating response and providing support through national arrangements involving sectors, partners, and NGO’s and regional support. - Informing roles through explicit standard operating procedures and processes. - Community awareness and preparedness for disaster response. ###### NSG 11: Promote a healthy and prosperous population **Health Security** Health Security depends on reducing vulnerability to health threats through collective public health action. Access to core public health functions, both in Honiara and within the provinces, provides P a g e | 18 the foundation for health security. However, health care service delivery in Solomon Islands is challenged by the country’s geography, funding, resources, and capabilities. Health threats such as NCDs, malnutrition, obesity, and endemic diseases such as malaria, diabetes, and dengue are preventable, yet lead to premature death. Women’s access to health and family planning services is particularly lacking in rural areas, and infant and child mortality rates remain high. Improper water and sanitation services are a further threat to health. In addition to Solomon Islands’ health security, newly emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases travel fast in our globalised world in which Solomon Islands is not insulated. A breach of health security, like a disease outbreak, has the potential to impact national security. Also, health emergencies may lead to widespread displacement, nationally and possibly across borders, which has the potential to lead to increased tension and potential security issues. Solomon Islands National Health Security Plan 2016-2020, developed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), focuses on improving Solomon Islands’ health sector through improving National Health Service coverage and quality, and by building strong partnerships to ensure the country provides for the health of its people. The overall goal of MHMS efforts is to achieve universal health coverage in Solomon Islands, so that all people can access and use preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative health services. ----- Within MHMS, PHESU contributes national health efforts through three major programs: - Surveillance and early warning systems for pandemic and outbreaks of disease. - Preventing and responding to infectious diseases and emerging diseases; and - Disaster risk management for health. A critical function of a health system is the ability to manage and respond to public health risk. This includes traditional public health risks management measures such as disease surveillance, screening, contact tracing, quarantine and emergency responses, as well as regulatory measures to manage emerging public health risk such as antimicrobial resistance, breastmilk substitute, and rising noncommunicable disease The Environmental Health Division is also part of the efforts mentioned above in the implementation of the IRH, with a focus that extends beyond service delivery to work toward a holistic approach, recognizing the impact on water, food, air quality, waste treatment, and other environmental considerations on health. The coronavirus pandemic has risen the need and importance to strengthen our public health system. **Food Security** Food security in Solomon Islands will continue to be challenged by climate change, a growing population, rising food prices, environmental stressors, and new pests and plant diseases. These threats require a greater effort in mitigation and approach to make sure Solomon Islanders have access to healthy food through P a g e | 19 affordable price and a continuous food supply. Increased diversification in agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture are additional efforts that will contribute to Solomon Islands food security and resilience to food-related threats and challenges. These efforts will help to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imported food, and help to counter the adverse health effects contributed to increased cases of NCDs in Solomon Islands. **Education** Access to quality education in Solomon Islands is essential to building the capacity for growth and to meeting the manpower needs that support increased growth and improved livelihoods, which enhance people’s well-being. It is the goal of Solomon Islands to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, and to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all citizens. Education-related challenges have contributed to conflict through a lack of access, limited resources, and a Western curriculum that challenges traditional ways. Solomon Islands has made progress in increasing education access at primary and secondary levels, and the government is making strides to increase access. Based on the guidance of the NDS. Solomon Islands Government will continue working to provide universal access to quality education for all children, improved access to technical, vocational training, and higher education. The government’s continued commitment to education is essential for engaging the nation’s rapidly growing youth population in order to reduce conflict, promote peace and ----- security, and develop the country’s human capital for economic success. **Strategic Action** - Support the implementation of the National Health Strategic plan. - Strengthening public Heath in addressing Environmental and public health threats. - Refurbish and develop all health facilities in the country. - Formulate a health national emergency response plan. - Coordinate multi-sectorial Heath Reponses to health security issues. - Formulate and implement a national NCD strategy. - Review Environmental Health Act and Regulation. - Enhance and promote sustainable agriculture to support food security. ###### NSG 12: Protect the rights of all citizens Every citizen regardless of race, creed and ethnicity, must be a free person whose rights are protected by the Constitution and UN Charter. Solomon Island is a diverse nation: predominantly Melanesian of around 95% and a small population of Polynesian, Micronesian, Chinese, and European. In terms of religion, Solomon Island is 92% Christian with 8% of other faiths. The diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences of the Solomon Islands’ population can be harnessed to ensure the country is prosperous. To succeed, Solomon Islands must draw on the potential of all of its people, and the government must be a champion for P a g e | 20 communities and individuals that are vulnerable to violence, abuse, and neglect – such as women and girls, ethnic and religious minorities, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The NDS recognises that sustainable, inclusive, social and economic development must be supported by improved gender equality, and support for the disadvantaged and the vulnerable. Furthermore, the benefits of development must be more equitably distributed to ensure that all men and women, in particular the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources as well as access to basic services. **Gender** Gender inequality deprives women and girls of their basic rights and opportunities. Gender inequality is prevalent in Solomon Islands, and there are high levels of gender-based violence, which ranges from sexual violence, coercion, and emotional and/or physical violence. Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will require a vigorous effort from the Solomon Islands Government, including legal frameworks, to counter gender-based discrimination. The role and place of women in society is an essential element of any country and promoting gender equality and empowering women remains an important objective for Solomon Islands in order to increase the political and economic participation of women. Current efforts are based on four key areas: **Participation – Ensuring women equal** participation and influence with men, and promoting gender equality in peace and ----- security decision making processes at the local, national and international level. **Protection – Working towards the full** implementation of all laws that protect the rights of all women and girls, along with special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based and sexual violence. **Prevention – Improving the strategies for** preventing all forms of violence against women and girls, involving women and integrating gender considering into security activities and conflict prevention, and challenging discriminatory gender norms, attitudes, and behaviour. **Recovery and Reconciliation** Strengthening women’s capabilities and agency in recovery processes and responding to the particular needs of women and girls when rebuilding and healing after conflict. **Strategic Actions** - Protect PLWD rights and provide facilities for them in the country. - Ensure national policies are inclusive. - Support the Fight on violence against women. ###### NSG 13: Protect Maritime security Solomon Island as a maritime nation depends largely on its maritime resources. It is, therefore, critical that our maritime boundaries are protected. Protecting our marine jurisdiction, whose threats are multi-faceted, is a government responsibility. However, the vastness of Solomon Islands maritime jurisdiction is a significant challenge. National capacity P a g e | 21 to protect Solomon Islands maritime boundaries and territorial integrity, and to mitigate threats must be developed. Maritime security is important to Solomon Islands as it links to our economic development and livelihood. Also, much of the trading, either internationally or locally, happen via the marine water. Thus, supporting international order, in making sure open sea lanes and keeping it from dispute, is crucial. Solomon Island EEZ is 1.6m sq km and the challenge with monitoring such huge maritime boundary. Given the limited resource available to monitor the country’s maritime domain, effective control over the country’s maritime boundaries and resources is achieved through a concerted regional effort. FFA monitoring, control and Surveillance is a key programme supporting our national effort in protecting our resource from illegal harvesting. Solomon Islands will continue to work collaboratively with International and regional partners, and organisations such as, PIF, FFA and Pacific Maritime Security Program are to support our maritime domain. **Royal Solomon Islands Police Maritime** Royal Solomon Islands police maritime plays a critical role in in our maritime security. The RSIPF maritime is responsible for doing territorial surveillance, border patrolling and reconnaissance, monitoring our EEZ and protecting against illegal entry into our water. The Police Maritime is, also, the first responder to calls, during disasters and emergencies. The donation, by Australia, of the new guardian patrol boat, and one other, yet to be delivered, was a boost to our maritime security. A most ----- recently donated speed craft has, also, given additional support to the police’s role on policing and protecting our borders. This assets will also help to assist our fight against IUU which is a major threat to the security and long-term sustainability of Solomon Island Tuna fisheries **Solomon Island Marine Safety** **Administration** Solomon Islands Marine Safety Administration plays a significant role in our maritime security. Solomon Islands, as a maritime country plays a critical role in our economy, both nationally and globally. SIMSA adopts the International Code for Security of Ships and Ports facilities. SIMSA’s role in local regulating local ships is crucial in making sure that ships comply with the marine law to avoid accidents at sea. Also, they play a critical role in working with international shipping company and tracking ships coming in our out of our waters. Importantly, they work closely with other relevant agencies to make sure both international and local ships adhere to the ISPS code. Also, the ports facilities are to be maintained and safe for ships. Finally, SIMSA is, also, responsible for marine surveillance, and protecting marine infrastructure. **Strategic Action** - Develop a maritime strategic plan. - Support Institutional strengthen and information sharing. - Improve coordination and collaboration among maritime related agencies. P a g e | 22 - Strengthen and enhance marine security capabilities. - Enhance cooperation with FFA, regional and international organization on maritime. - Initiate a Coast Guard to support Police Maritime and SIMSA. - Strengthen the RSIPF Maritime capacity. ----- # PART 4 ###### NATIONAL SECURITY GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE The Solomon Islands Government, under the direction of the cabinet, will continue to protect national security through ensuring government agencies, and national security stakeholders are united in purpose and mission under the strategic guidance provided by the NSS. Importantly, NSS is a framework developed to coordinate and integrate national security efforts within ministerial policy, and facilitate information sharing to drive coordination and decision making within the government. The National Security governance structure will become an essential system to be triggered during national security events. A new legislation must be made to support the role of the National Security System (NSS) and to protect its independence, as part of the government’s effort to putting this system in place. **Figure 1. Illustrate national security governance structure.** **National Security Council** The National Security Council (NSC) will be the highest ministerial decision-making body on national security matters. The NSC, placed within the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, will serve as the government’s principal forum for addressing national security and foreign policy matters with senior national security officials and cabinet officials. The primary function of the NSC will be to advise and assist the Prime Minister and Cabinet on national security and foreign policy. The NSC will serve as the government’s principal body for supervising national security policy development, implementation, and accountability. P a g e | 23 ----- The NSC will be chaired by the Prime Minister. Its regular members will be the Deputy Prime Minister; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade; the Minister of Finance and Treasury; the Minister of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services; and the Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening. The PM’s National Security Advisor, RSIPF Commissioner, presents intelligence from the RSIPF Intelligence Unit, and the Attorney-General also attends as contributing advisor. Other ministers and senior government officials may be invited to attend NSC meetings when appropriate. **National Security Advisory Committee** The National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) will be the peak officials-level committee considering national security matters. The NSAC will directly support the NSC as an inter-ministerial committee that considers all major policy matters to be put before the NSC. The NSAC will provide the support needed to facilitate the coordination of national security matters across the government. NSAC will be comprised of the Permanent Secretaries for each respective Ministry, and will also be represented by a Minister on the NSC as well as representatives from the Solomon Islands Government intelligence community and other national security related agencies. NSAC members will include the Secretary to Cabinet as Chair; Permanent Secretary (PS) Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; PS Ministry of Finance and Treasury; PS MPNSCS; PS Ministry of Communication and Aviation; PS Ministry of Health and Medical Services; PS Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening; PS Ministry of Rural Development; PS Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration; PS Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock; the National Security Advisor; PS Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs; and RSIPF Commissioner. The Chair can invite any relevant stakeholder to attend NSAC’s meeting. **Secretariat** The Office of the Prime Minister , Cabinet, and Ministry of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services will provide Secretariat support functions for the NSC and NSAC. **National Security Working Group** The National Security Working Group (NSWG) will be the directors-level committee for considering national security matters. The NSWG will directly support the NSAC as an interministerial group which considers all major matters to be put before the NSAC and supports the coordination of national security efforts across the government. NSWG will be comprised of Directors for each respective Ministry, and represented by a Minister on the NSC and NSAC as well as representatives from the Solomon Islands Government intelligence community and other national security related agencies. NSWG members will include the NSD Director, serving as chair; the National Security Advisor; RSIPF Deputy Commissioner for National Security and Operational Support; RSIPF Intelligence Unit Director; Immigration Division Director; SICED Comptroller; ICTSU P a g e | 24 ----- Director; Directors MECDM, Biosecurity Director; PHESU Director; TCU Director; Deputy Secretary to Cabinet, Deputy Secretary to Prime Minister, Communication Director; Finance Director of Budget; and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary, Director INTERPOL. Other directors and officials will be called upon to attend the NWWG meeting when required. **Provincial Security Taskforce** Solomon Island is made up of province that a security taskforce is require to establish at each province. The office of the taskforce shall be established under each provincial government and works directly with the National Security Division within the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Service. They will be responsible to do assessments in their respective provinces and send their report to National Security Division. **National Security Division** The NSD within the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services is comprised of a Director and relevant officials needed to support national security efforts and coordination. The NSD will serve as Secretariat for the NSWG through coordinating, providing administrative support, gathering and consolidating information, and offering evidence-based recommendations to the NSAC, as determined in NSWG meetings, for its deliberation on items that require action or warrant presentation to the NSC. The National Security division will also responsible to do impartial assessments and independent intelligence gathering to the decision makers. NSD have fundamental role in our national security system and must build its ability to gather information and make sense of changing security landscape. **Strategic Actions** - Support National Security Bill to provide statutory mandate for NSC, NSAC,NSWG and PST - Strengthen the governance, institutional arrangement, and interoperability between agencies. - Update the ministry’s existing policies and plans to reflect national security planning and efforts. - Enhance the National Security Assessment Capability to support governance structure with information and intelligence. - Facilitate Security Forum for all government agencies. - Provide strategic assessment to the NSAC and NSC P a g e | 25 ----- # PART 5 ###### THE SECURITY THREAT FACING SOLOMON ISLANDS The table, below, discusses the suite of security threats to which Solomon Islands is exposed ranging both from external and internal risks. However this list is not ultimate as the security landscape of Solomon Islands changes over time. **Table 1:** **_Security Threats Facing Solomon Islands_** **_Type of Risk_** **_Discussion_** Climate Change Climate Change is the number one global security risk facing Solomon Islands. Climate change includes sea level rise, increasing intensity of cyclones, droughts and floods and temperature rise. This risk is already eventuating and lives of citizens are being affected especially on lowlying atolls, small islands, and artificial islands. SIG must invest funds on adaptation and mitigating strategies. Heath Security Many Solomon Islanders have lost their lives because of diseases such as NCDs and cancer with many more are at risk. Greater awareness on quality life styles, as well as funding improvements to the health system, will save lives. Also Pandemics like coronavirus (Covid-19) spreading across regions and the globe has shown us how vulnerable we are. Solomon Islands’ lack of robust health care system will be disastrous if a breach of our border efforts. Also Covid-19 has really tested our health system and the government capabilities in addressing health security issues. Solomon Islands, as a sovereign and independent nation, will make Foreign sure no foreign government, or their other proxies, influence its Interference democracy, values and principles. P a g e | 26 |Climate Change|Climate Change is the number one global security risk facing Solomon Islands. Climate change includes sea level rise, increasing intensity of cyclones, droughts and floods and temperature rise. This risk is already eventuating and lives of citizens are being affected especially on low- lying atolls, small islands, and artificial islands. SIG must invest funds on adaptation and mitigating strategies.| |---|---| |Heath Security|Many Solomon Islanders have lost their lives because of diseases such as NCDs and cancer with many more are at risk. Greater awareness on quality life styles, as well as funding improvements to the health system, will save lives. Also Pandemics like coronavirus (Covid-19) spreading across regions and the globe has shown us how vulnerable we are. Solomon Islands’ lack of robust health care system will be disastrous if a breach of our border efforts. Also Covid-19 has really tested our health system and the government capabilities in addressing health security issues.| |Foreign Interference|Solomon Islands, as a sovereign and independent nation, will make sure no foreign government, or their other proxies, influence its democracy, values and principles.| ||| ----- Given our porous borders SI is exposed to transnational crimes. These include,especially, drug trafficking, money laundering, people smuggling, small arms smuggling, counterfeit goods, trading of wildlife, and kidnapping,which pose serious risks for Solomon Islands. SI must develop responses and capacity to deal with such emerging threats. |Border Security|Strengthening control over our borders and immigration is central to our National Security and economic prosperity. The new National border strategy is a step in the right direction in our governments’ effort to protect its borders.| |---|---| |Ethnic Conflicts|Although an ethnic tension has happened in the Solomon’s in the late nineties through to the early parts of the 20th century, and despite our cultural diversity, it is remotely likely that we will see another in Solomon Islands. The provision is Government must continue to invest in economic development to create prosperity and ensure everyone is contented.| |Transnational crimes|Given our porous borders SI is exposed to transnational crimes. These include,especially, drug trafficking, money laundering, people smuggling, small arms smuggling, counterfeit goods, trading of wildlife, and kidnapping,which pose serious risks for Solomon Islands. SI must develop responses and capacity to deal with such emerging threats.| |Cyber threats|Advances in ICT have revolutionised all aspects of Solomon Islands society by allowing for greater accessibility, mobility, convenience, efficiency, and productivity. Solomon Islands is now dependent upon ICT – for national security, economic prosperity, and social well-being. However, there is a huge risk associated with it, against which Solomon Islands must utilise its safeguards to protect its citizens against cyber threats.| |Terrorism|A terrorist attack on our soil is considered remote at the moment. However, the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks remains a prospective concern for Solomon Islands.| |Land disputes|Over the years, major developments have come to a standstill due to land disputes. This has been widespread across Solomon Islands and has severely hindered investments and developments, and, therefore, causing a considerable security challenge for Solomon Islands.| ||| P a g e | 27 ----- |Political & Social instability|The nature of our politics and frustrations over lack of development imply riots will remain a risk to national security. The government will continue to address this issues through a whole of government development approach.| |---|---| |Pest Infestation|Risk of invasive species, pest and infectious diseases in crops and livestock is a threat to Solomon Islands. The introduction of new pests and diseases has the potential to jeopardise the economy and people’s wellbeing, and must be mitigated. The need for capacitating the Bio- security and further strengthening its roles on entry points is crucial for our national security.| |Corruption|The wide-ranging consultation leading up to NSS identified corruption as one of the major threats to National Security. The government is, therefore, committed to fight corruption and promote transparency.| |Unemployment|The rapid increase in the population of Solomon Islands is a positive resource for the country. However, limited employment opportunities for the increasing population is a growing concern. The population of Solomon Islands will continue to grow over the next 33 years, and from an estimated 650,750 people to an estimated 1.351 million in 2050. This projection of population growth against the economic growth causes a disquieting trend for the government and stakeholders to deal with in terms of our national security.| |Environmental Security|The occasion of major environmental pollution event by either a manmade or natural event will have a huge impact on our environment. For instance, the oil spillage in Rennel and Bellona Province which causes massive damage on the sea resource and the environment. Furthermore, an emergency response plan must be in place to protect Solomon Islands against this possibility and environmental safeguards within relevant laws must be enforced. Resource security - Our resources, both inland and marine resources are our valuable commodity that must be protected. In the face of increasing population and the global demand for raw materials and sea resource, Solomon Islands must be cautioned about the use and harvesting of its resources. Security of our resources is fundamental to maintaining, sustaining and improving our quality of life.| |Economic Security|Solomon Islands is relatively insulated from any major global economic crisis because of its huge rural sector. However, the statues of our| P a g e | 28 ----- |Col1|economy is disquieting that as a country we must be vigilant. Given the geo-political power play in the region, Solomon Island must seek its economic opportunity with caution to avoid loan risk associated with contractual obligation.| |---|---| |Influx of Foreigner|Over the years the movement of people across borders has grown exponentially within the Solomon Islands. Given the risk associated with such mix migration, our border control must be vigilant. Solomon Islands also needs to strengthen our immigration, customs and biosecurity policies in order to defend our country from illegal entries of any kind. This effort will contribute to protecting our sovereignty.| |Limited and Lack of Development|Development is a measure of prosperity. When it is limited or lacking, citizens are frustrated and resort to unlawful activities that cause security concerns.| P a g e | 29 ----- # PART 6 ##### Conclusion The NSS will be a living document and will be continuously updated to ensure it remains relevant. Although the intention is to foreshadow long-term strategies, perhaps designing a five-year rolling strategy is a much better approach as has been envisaged. However, it will be flexible, and an update will be made whenever it is required. This would allow for new ideas to be incorporated along the way as we seek to keep improving the NSS. Overall, this strategy will serve its purpose as a roadmap for creating awareness, and coordinating national responses to any national security threat that may be looming and imminent. It can only be effective through cooperation and leadership. Therefore, the Government is committed to provide leadership, and to support the commitment of security agencies, public safety institutions, private sectors and the communities to work together to address threats that are facing our nation. The challenges ahead in this new security environment will be huge but we can achieve the goals in this NSS through our strong commitment, cooperation and resourcing. Finally, it is important that the government works to create a new legislation that will provide the legal basis for legitimizing the action in enforcing the NSS. P a g e | 30 ----- # PART 7 #### Annexes Abbreviation and Acronyms **ACA** Anti-Corruption Act **ADF** Australian Defence Force **ASYCUDA** Automated System for Customs Data **BCU** Border Control Unit **BSI** Biosecurity Solomon Islands **NBCC** National Border Coordination Committee **CSS** Cyber Security Strategy **DCP** Defence Cooperation Program **EEZ** Exclusive Economic Zone **FAO** Food and Agricultural Organization (United States) **FAO** Food and Agriculture Organization (United Nations) **FFA** Forum Fisheries Agency **GDP** Gross Domestic Product **ICAC** Independent Commission against Corruption **ICTSU** Information and Communications Technology Support Unit **IUU** Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported **IPPO** International Plant Protection Convention **IRH** International Health Regulations 2005 **MCA** Ministry of Communication and Aviation **MDPAC** Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination **MHMS** Ministry of Health and Medical Services **MNURP** Ministry Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs **MPNSCS** Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services **MPS** Ministry of Public Service **MRD** Ministry of Rural Development **MWYCFA** Ministry of Women, Youths, Children, and Family Affairs **NACS** National Anti-Corruption Strategy **NCDs** Non-Communicable Diseases **NDC** National Disaster Council **NDMO** National Disaster Management Office P a g e | 31 ----- **NDS** National Development Strategy **NSC** National Security Council **NSAC** National Security Advisory Committee **NSD** National Security Division **NSS** National Security Strategy **NSWG** National Security Working Group **OCO** Oceania Customs Organisation **PHESU** Public Health Emergency and Surveillance Unit **PICP** Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police **PIF** Pacific Islands Forum **PIFS** Pacific Island Forum Secretariat **PMSP** Pacific Maritime Security Program **PNG** Papua New Guinea **PPBP** Pacific Patrol Boat Program **PPPO** Pacific Plant Protection Organisation **PS** Permanent Secretary **PTCA** Pacific Transnational Crime Assessments **PTCCC** Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre **PTCN** Pacific Transnational Crime Network **RAMSI** Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands **RSIPF** Royal Solomon Islands Police Force **SDG** Sustainable Development Goals (United Nations) **SICED** Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division **SIG** Solomon Islands Government **SPC** Secretariat of the Pacific Community **SPS** Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary Measures (WTO Agreement) **TCU** Transnational Crime Unit **UN** United Nation **UNCAC** United Nations Convention against Corruption **UNDP** United Nations Development Programme **UNODC** United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime **UNTOC** United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime **UN-PRAC** United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption **WTO** World Trade Organization **PLWD** People living with Disability P a g e | 32 ----- #### Annex 2 ###### Law enforcement Agencies, financial Institution and SOEs role that are critical to National Security. The following government and non-government institutions play a pivotal role in protecting the safety of the people of Solomon Islands. Drawing upon the capabilities of these institutions strengthens our National Security effort. Thus, collaboration among each agency brings a stronger synthesis than any constituent part could be. Note that the list below are few of many government ministries and other institutions that perform a vital role in our national security. **Ministry of Foreign** **Affairs and Trade** This ministry is primarily responsible for diplomatic liaison in relation to UN Conventions. Foreign Affairs’ diplomatic role works with close neighbouring countries to prevent, mitigate and respond to challenges through development and enforcement of mutually beneficial treaties and agreements. It is also, the principle body responsible for advancing Solomon Islands interests in the region and internationally. MFAET also is mandated for protecting and promoting Solomon Islands interests abroad. Solomon Islands has 11 missions abroad and their responsibility is to be the frontline for our country on diplomatic, consular, and matters of national interest. Hush **Immigration** The immigration division is responsible for the enforcement of the Solomon Islands immigration laws. The Immigration works to ensure that people who travel through Solomon Islands’ borders do so legally through the administration of the Immigration Act of 2012, and other relevant government regulations and policies. The division is, also, responsible for issuing of passports, monitoring of granted permits and visas, and deportation of foreign nationals who breach Solomon Islands’ immigration laws. **Customs and** **Excise Division** **Inland Revenue** P a g e | 33 This division, within the Ministry of Finance and treasury, is responsible for collecting revenue, and managing the security and integrity of Solomon Islands borders and the movement of people and goods. Customs is, also, responsible to investigate illegal transportation/BNI at the borders. Customs officers are to be present at seaports, Airports, and outports to ensure our border regulations are not breached. This is the division within the MoF which is responsible for collecting income, sales, and withholding goods taxes, as well as undertaking vehicle licensing for the government. The core function of Inland Revenue is to maximize revenue collection through the effective and efficient administration of the tax law. The audit section deters and investigates tax evasion. ----- **Biosecurity** Biosecurity is guided by the Biosecurity Act of 2013, and focuses on the preventative measures designed to reduce the risk of transmission of invasive species, pests, and infectious diseases in crops and livestock. Increased interconnectivity through globalisation, trade, and tourism increases the potential for biological threats to Solomon Islands. The introduction of new pests and diseases has the potential to jeopardise the well-being of the nation’s people, agriculture, environment, and economy. **The Foreign** **Investment Division** **(FID)** **Company Haus** **Solomon Island** **Financial** **Intelligent Unit** **(SIFIU)** **Solomon Power** FID of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury considers the application of the investment by foreign individuals and corporations and grants foreign investors’ permission to invest in Solomon Islands. This division is responsible for registration of companies both domestic and overseas, operating in Solomon Islands. SIFIU is the lead agency and central focal point in preventing and detecting Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing activity. SIFIU is playing a vital role in formulating and implementing strategies to compact money laundering, terrorist financing and other serious crimes to ensure that safety and integrity of Solomon Island financial system. Solomon Power with its role in providing energy to the nation plays a vital role in enabling better livelihood and business wellbeing. Support for major project such as Tina hydro is critical to Solomon Islands in enabling people to access clean and affordable electricity. Also, support for the role of Solomon power in the provinces results in electricity access to the people in the rural areas. Energy is a critical infrastructure and must be protected and be made affordable to the people. **Solomon Water** Solomon Water Authority is a state-owned enterprise wholly owned by the Government of Solomon Islands. Solomon Water operates under the SIWA Act 1992. Under the SIWA 30 year’s strategic plan, it has four goals; (i) water supply, (ii) waste management, (iii) wash program targeting schools and communities, and (iv) ensure SIWA is financially sustainable. Solomon water vision is to provide safer and quality water for all Solomon Islanders. Solomon Islands needs to make sure it has a standard guideline on water quality. Also, water catchment source is becoming a critical issue that needs to be addressed due to the climate change impact. SIWA, therefore, needs to redesign its system to be resilient. **Solomon Port** **Authority** P a g e | 34 Solomon Ports is a state own enterprise establish and operate under the Ports Act facilitating international trade through tow declare ports, Honiara Port and Noro Port. Solomon Ports Authority is operating under international ships and ports facilities security (ISPS) Code. ISPS is a set of measures to enhance the security of ships and ports facilities around the world. Solomon Ports, under the SOE Acts, reports on security matters to Solomon Islands Marine Safety Administration (SIMSA) ----- **Civil Aviation** **Authority of** **Solomon Island.** **(CAASI)** P a g e | 35 CAASI is a statutory body established under the Civil Aviation Act 2008, in which its technical functions are stipulated. The principal responsibility of CAASI is to perform the state responsibility of regulating civil aviation operations as required under the International Civil Aviation Convention at the national level. CAASI is responsible for carrying out supervisory standard checks across technical areas such as airport operations and management, air traffic control, aviation security services, engineering and technical services. Overall, CAASI have the power to regulate airport operations, including all personnel and officers such engineers, pilots, airline services, other aviation services, service providers and airport companies operating within the aviation industry. ----- #### Annex 3 ###### International and Regional Declarations, Conventions and Treaties to which Solomon Islands is a Party. **Honiara** **Declaration** **Biketawa** **Declaration** **Boe Declaration** **Nasonini** **Declaration on** **Regional Security** **South Pacific** **Nuclear-Free Zone** **Treaty (Rarotonga** **Treaty)** **Comprehensive** **Test Ban Treaty** **Non-proliferation** **Treaty** P a g e | 36 The Honiara Declaration on Law Enforcement Cooperation, adopted by PIF in 1992, marked the formal beginnings of regional efforts to combat transnational crime in the region, through implementation and use of national legislative measures in key areas, such as extradition, assets forfeiture, mutual criminal assistance, economic crime, and drug issues. It provides a framework for combating transnational crime through law enforcement cooperation; mutual assistance in criminal matters; money laundering control, asset forfeiture, and banking regulation; suppression of drug offenses; suppression of environmental offenses; suppression of terrorism; and maritime surveillance. Under these auspices, a range of regional agencies exist to prevent, detect, monitor, and combat transnational criminal threats and activities in the Pacific region. The Biketawa declaration is a framework for coordinating regional responses to regional crises agreed to by Forum Leaders in 2000 in Kiribati. To date, the declaration had been activated three times – to authorize the mission Helpem Fren (or RAMSI) for Solomon Islands, PRAN for Nauru, and suspension of Fiji from the Forum. All Forum members are parties to the Biketawa declaration. The Boe declaration on Regional Security complements the Biketawa declaration, and acknowledges that climate change is the number one threat to the livelihood, security and wellbeing of the peoples of the Pacific. Solomon Islands is a party to the Boe declaration. This is a supporting declaration for the Biketawa and Auckland Declarations, agreed to by the Forum at Nasonini in Fiji in 2002, to strengthen regional cooperation in dealing with regional security. As a member of the Forum, Solomon Islands is obliged to adhere to the requirements of the Nasonini Declaration. This Treaty, also known as the Treaty of Rarotonga, bans testing, storage, transhipment and carriage of nuclear material in the South Pacific area. As a party state member, Solomon Islands has obligations under the Treaty. This multilateral treaty bans any nuclear explosions for both military and civilian purposes. Solomon Islands has signed the CTBT in 1996 but has not ratified it. However, as member of the UN, Solomon Islands is bound by the requirements and obligations stipulated under the CTBT. This is the international treaty that prevents the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology. Solomon Islands succeeded as ----- **UNSC Resolution** **1373** **Rome Statute** **Geneva Protocols** **The Hague** **Conventions on** **declaration of war** **Paris Agreement on** **Climate Change** P a g e | 37 a party to the NPT from Great Britain, therefore, it is expected to comply with its provisions. The UNSC Resolution obliges member states to suppress terrorism in their territories by refraining from financing, organizing, instigating, assisting or participating in terrorist acts. Solomon Islands, as member of the UN, has an obligation to adhere to the requirements of this resolution. This statute forms the International Criminal Court (ICC) which tries individuals or groups for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity and aggression. Solomon Islands is a signatory party but yet to ratify. This international treaty bans the use of chemical and biological weapons in international conflicts. Solomon Islands is a state party to protocols I – III and is required to adhere to the provision of these protocols. This is an old treaty under the League of Nations (precursor to UN) on declarations of wars. As a member state of the UN, Solomon Islands is expected to respect the obligations under the Hague conventions. This agreement within the UNFCC deals with greenhouse gas emissions, mitigation, adaptation and finance. Solomon Islands, as a state party, is required to comply with the requirements of the agreement for dealing with climate change especially with submissions of annual reports on its nationally declared commitments. ----- #### Annex 4 ###### Regional Facilities that could help Solomon Islands with Implementation of the NSS. **Pacific Trans-national** The PTCCC, based in Apia, Samoa, coordinates the regional **Crime Coordination** effort on combatting transnational crimes. The centre can **Centre (PTCCC)** provide expertise to assist Solomon Islands develop capacity and skills for responding to transnational criminal activities **Pacific Fusion Centre** This is an Australian Government funded intelligent sharing centre on regional security developments. It is currently based in a temporary facility in Canberra, but will be relocated to a permanent base anywhere around the Pacific. This is a resource that can assist Solomon Islands especially with generating and sharing intelligence on the origins and features of particular security threats that could impact Solomon Islands. **Pacific Security College** This is a very new Centre, set up by the Australian **(PSC)** Government in 2019, to provide technical support to Pacific Island countries on security matters. They can also provide specifically tailored training for personnel’s from the Pacific on security and strategic fields. Although the PSC has the makings of a useful facility to help boost capacities in the Pacific, however its experience to help the region is uncertain. **Interpol** Solomon Islands is a member of Interpol, and can now access necessary intelligence from Interpol regarding specific transnational crimes that may impact Solomon Islands national security. An Interpol liaison office has been established in Honiara within the RSIPF. **Secretariat of the PIDC** This is the regional organization that coordinates regional cooperation for immigration offices in the Pacific. Solomon Islands is a member, therefore it can access the services of the PIDC if required especially to tracing the origins of people smuggling and illicit drug movement. It is a valuable facility to help Solomon Islands. **Oceania Customs** The OCO is the regional organization for customs. Solomon **Organization (OSO)** Islands is a member and can access its services especially in tracking hazardous goods movement. **FFA’s Surveillance Centre** The FFA’s surveillance Centre is one of the most advanced and well equipped monitoring and surveillance Centres in the Pacific. As a member country and host of the FFA, Solomon Islands can request assistance from the Centre to help out with surveillance of its vast EEZ. The Centre also has an automated vessel identification system which is really important in determining and penalizing illegal vessels. P a g e | 38 |Pacific Trans-national Crime Coordination Centre (PTCCC)|The PTCCC, based in Apia, Samoa, coordinates the regional effort on combatting transnational crimes. The centre can provide expertise to assist Solomon Islands develop capacity and skills for responding to transnational criminal activities.| |---|---| |Pacific Fusion Centre|This is an Australian Government funded intelligent sharing centre on regional security developments. It is currently based in a temporary facility in Canberra, but will be relocated to a permanent base anywhere around the Pacific. This is a resource that can assist Solomon Islands especially with generating and sharing intelligence on the origins and features of particular security threats that could impact Solomon Islands.| |Pacific Security College (PSC)|This is a very new Centre, set up by the Australian Government in 2019, to provide technical support to Pacific Island countries on security matters. They can also provide specifically tailored training for personnel’s from the Pacific on security and strategic fields. Although the PSC has the makings of a useful facility to help boost capacities in the Pacific, however its experience to help the region is uncertain.| |Interpol|Solomon Islands is a member of Interpol, and can now access necessary intelligence from Interpol regarding specific transnational crimes that may impact Solomon Islands national security. An Interpol liaison office has been established in Honiara within the RSIPF.| |Secretariat of the PIDC|This is the regional organization that coordinates regional cooperation for immigration offices in the Pacific. Solomon Islands is a member, therefore it can access the services of the PIDC if required especially to tracing the origins of people smuggling and illicit drug movement. It is a valuable facility to help Solomon Islands.| |Oceania Customs Organization (OSO)|The OCO is the regional organization for customs. Solomon Islands is a member and can access its services especially in tracking hazardous goods movement.| |FFA’s Surveillance Centre|The FFA’s surveillance Centre is one of the most advanced and well equipped monitoring and surveillance Centres in the Pacific. As a member country and host of the FFA, Solomon Islands can request assistance from the Centre to help out with surveillance of its vast EEZ. The Centre also has an automated vessel identification system which is really important in determining and penalizing illegal vessels.| ----- |Pacific Island Forum (PFC)|The PFC is an important organisation that will help drive the security interest of the Pacific Islands and Solomon Islands is also member.| |---|---| |Melanesian Spearhead Group( MSG)|MSG is an important forum in which Solomon Islands is a member state, and has worked closely with. . Solomon Islands, in its implementation of NSS, will continue to make sure that its security interests are also shared among MSG members.| |SPREP|SPREP is also an important regional organization to Solomon Islands as it is charged with the role of protecting and managing the environment and natural resources of the Pacific.| P a g e | 39 -----