The human rights situation in the Solomon Islands deteriorated significantly following the eruption of ethnic conflict in 1998.
After the 5 June 2000 coup, the Townsville Peace Agreement was signed.
The accord was intended to end the conflict between the Malaitan and Guadacanalese ethnic groups.
The courts have confronted difficulties in carrying out their functions, as many police officers have sided with armed groups and the government seems unable or unwilling to prosecute perpetrators of human rights violations.
The 20 December 2000 Amnesty Law has contributed to an atmosphere of impunity.
Attacks on Justice 2002 – Solomon Islands [full text, PDF]