Marginalisation of some Solomon Islanders by the Australian intervention

Abstract

There has been considerable debate over the past few years about the Australian Government's focus on the ‘war on terror’, both at home and abroad. However, little attention has been given to the impacts of Australia's Pacific ‘war on terror’ through its intervention in the Solomon Islands. This article seeks to focus on the Australian intervention in the Solomon Islands and the impacts of that intervention on the human rights of some Solomon Islanders. In particular, it highlights the difficulties caused by the immunity from prosecution of the Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands (RAMSI) and the impacts on the rights of prisoners as a result of RAMSI's influence in the prison system. The article also focuses on how the law-and-order emphasis of RAMSI has contributed to harshness in the treatment of juvenile offenders and other minor offenders.