10 of August 2022 marks a huge leap in the pursuit of Justice for victims of Rape and Sexual Offences.
Today a petition was brought before the Honourable Members of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands.
This petition called for the “increase in Minimum and Maximum sentences for all rape and sexual offences”.
In this petition the petitioners called for the following; Rape sentences to have a starting line of 50 years, and other sexual offences to have a starting baseline of 20 years. And if 50 years is not given for rapist, the Penal Code should be amended to cater for capital punishment. And lastly, the registration of all Rapist and sexual offenders.
This petition was presented by Ms Wendy Kealau , representing the family of the late Mary Aram a 7 year old who was brutally raped and murdered on the Island of Kolombagara on 14th Oct, 2021.
Today with the support of the Young Women’s Parliamentary Group (YWPG) and the families of late Mary, the petition was received by the Hon. Derick Manuari , MP for West Makira Constituency.
In His response the Hon. Manuari relays his condolences to the family of late Mary and assured them that he will ensure that the petition is brought before Parliament to be considered.
Petitions are a tool in which citizens can bring issues of concern to the attention of Parliament.
This Petition is now put on notice and will be included in the order of parliament business.
PRESS RELEASE
