People with disability neglected in Solomon Islands: HRMI Report

BY BEN BILUA

PEOPLE with disability in Solomon Islands are facing neglect, widespread stigma and limited access to basic services, according to a new report released by the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI).

The 2025 survey highlights the lack of inclusive infrastructure and social support forcing many people with disabilities into isolation, particularly in urban areas.

“People with disabilities are not only sidelined in education and health services but also forgotten in many aspects within the society,” the report said.

It states that disabled people often struggle to access public spaces, including schools, health facilities and walkways.

The report indicates that lack of accessibility has confined many individuals to their homes, stripping them of their independence and limiting their participation in public life.

Social stigma remains another major barrier linking disability with increased vulnerability to poverty, unemployment and abuse.

High levels of poverty and violence against people with disabilities were recorded in urban areas, with 50 out of every 100 facing high risks of both contrary to rural communities.

According to the report, disabled individuals in villages are often better cared for by their immediate and extended families.

HRMI is a global organisation dedicated to measuring and improving human rights with hopes that data will drive public awareness and policy changes in the Solomon Islands.

The organisation is part of a global movement to ensure that all people can live with dignity.

It provides reliable data to track how well governments uphold the rights of their citizens, enabling activists and decision-makers to advocate more effectively for change.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]