Brisbane conference to examine post-conflict situation in Solomon Islands

Experts on the Solomon Islands are holding a conference in Brisbane this month to examine the causes of recent ethnic unrest on the Pacific islands and identify ways to sustain the peace process.

Up to 60 delegates drawn from the Solomon Islands, UN agencies, AusAid, the Asian Development Bank, Japan, the European Union, the UK department for International Development, New Zealand and the World Bank will be holding the conference from October 18 -20 at Brisbane's Customs House.

Simmering ethnic tensions between Guadacanal and Malaita intensified into a major conflict in 1998, which led to nearly 200,000 people being driven out of their settlements in Guadacanal and Honiara by armed militia.

In recent months, however, there have been encouraging signs. A new government has been established, and rival factions have come to the negotiating table for a program of national unity, peace and reconciliation.

One of the objectives of the conference is to identify priority action to sustain the peace process and refocus development assistance.

The event is being hosted by The University of Queensland, which is also a co-sponsor with the United Nations Development Program.

For more information contact Peter McCutcheon at UQ Communications on 07 3365 1088 or 0413 380012 or email: communications@mailbox.uq.edu.au