The Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSC), together with HALO Trust Solomon Islands, officially launched the Pacific Ammunition Guide on Friday at the HALO Trust Office in GBR. The launch brought together government representatives, international partners, diplomatic missions, UXO sector organisations, and community stakeholders committed to strengthening safety and security across the Pacific.
The event featured remarks from Director of the UXO Division, Mr. Benzily Kasutaba, and HALO Solomon Islands Programme Manager, Ms. Emily Davis, who highlighted the significance of the guide as a regional tool for UXO identification, coordination, and technical collaboration.
Mr. Kasutaba emphasised the ongoing challenges faced by the Solomon Islands due to widespread unexploded ordnance contamination stemming from World War II. He noted that UXO continues to threaten communities, restrict land use and development, and stretch national resources. He underscored the importance of strengthened regional cooperation through initiatives such as the Pacific Islands Forum’s Regional UXO Strategy and the BOE Declaration.
“Today marks a new chapter in our endeavour toward addressing UXO clearance nationally and regionally,” he said. “This guide will support coordination, training, and future engagements, creating a pathway for shared solutions across Pacific Island nations.”
Ms. Davis acknowledged the extensive collaboration that made the guide possible. Developed as a shared resource for operators and UXO partners, the first edition documents more than 120 types of ammunition identified through HALO’s survey work in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. She highlighted the guide as a practical, foundational tool for improving safety and interoperability across the sector.
“This guide represents a collective effort built on contributions from HALO teams in Solomon Islands and PNG, RSIPF EOD colleagues, ministries, development partners, and technical experts worldwide,” she said. “It is an important step forward in addressing a challenge that has remained with us for more than 80 years.”
HALO extended its gratitude to all contributors and partners, with particular thanks to the Government of Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs for funding the project in 2025.
Representatives in attendance included the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force EOD Department, Australian Defence Force Advisor, US Embassy Honiara, UNDP, New Zealand High Commission, the UXO survivor network, the commercial association (SIEOCA), the Ministry of Culture and Tourism – Bloody Ridge National Memorial Park, and other distinguished guests.
The launch concluded with the formal distribution of copies of the Pacific Ammunition Guide to partner organisations, followed by group photographs and an opportunity for guests to view HALO’s survey displays, operational maps, and photographs documenting three years of UXO clearance work across the country.
HALO Trust and the Government of Solomon Islands reaffirm their commitment to building a safer region through strengthened cooperation, shared resources, and continued investment in UXO risk reduction.
