BY JOHN HOUAHINHAU

The Solomon Islands Endim Vaelens Agenstim Pikinini (SIEVP) coalition has called on the government, chiefs, churches, parents and partners to work together to put a stop to child marriage in the Solomon Islands.

Erin Fritz expressed this during his remarks at the official handover of the SIEVAP project report -Make It 18, 2022-2025 to the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs Permanent Secretary (PS) Mr. George Hoa’au Friday last week at the Honiara Hotel.

The SIEVAP project is a joint initiative between the New Zealand and Solomon Islands agencies of Save the Children, World Vision and Child Fund. It was funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

“I speak today on behalf of the SIEVAP Coalition, and more importantly, on behalf of the Children of the Solomon Islands. We are here today to hand over a special report called “Make It 18.” This report is not just paper. It holds the voices, dreams, and rights of many children, especially girls, across our country.

“Right now, in our laws, a girl can be married at 15. But at that age, she is still a child. She should be in school, playing, learning and not be forced to become someone’s wife or mother.” Said Fritz.

He said that this is not fair, not safe and therefore must change.

“Make It 18” means changing the law so that no child-boy or girl-can be married before they turn 18. We believe 18 is not the right age because it gives children time to grow, learn and choose their future,” he said.

He said that this report shows the voices of young people who say, loud and clear, “Let us be children. Let us be free. Protect us by making the legal age of marriage 18.”

“To our leaders in government, to our chiefs, churches, parents, and partners, we need you to listen, act to protect us. Please use this report to guide your decisions and change the law. We are counting on you to help stop child marriage in the Solomon Islands. Together, we can make this country a safer and better place for all children,” said SIEVAP rep, Fritz.

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