Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands is a small Pacific Island nation with a large human trafficking problem, particularly affecting those in extractive sectors like fishing, logging, mining and hydroelectricity. Underage girls are frequently sold into marriage by poor and vulnerable families with little understanding of the consequences. Child labour and commercial sexual exploitation are also significant issues in Honiara, the nation’s capital.

Hagar started working in Solomon Islands in 2021 under the five-year SAFE program funded by Tearfund NZ through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The program aims to increase community awareness of harmful effects of human trafficking and abuse, provide training in prevention and expand survivor services. The SAFE program focuses on building and sustaining the capability of local NGO, HOPE Trust, in the skills Hagar has learned over the past 28 years to prevent and respond to human trafficking, child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. This partnership approach involves sharing of expertise in case work, Trauma-Informed Care, legal support and human trafficking prevention activities. It also involves strengthening the organisations’ financial, human resources, administrative and governance capabilities.

In 2022 full project implementation will begin in the Guadalcanal Province to establish client services and prevention programming in communities with a high risk of trafficking. Schools and churches will also be a focus to ensure community-based care networks and safety nets are operating effectively, and survivors will be supported as they reintegrate into their communities and embark on positive, productive futures.

Meet HOPE Trust’s Director Prema and learn more about how our work in Solomon Islands is changing lives.

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