Solomon Islands: ICRC visits detainees
25-08-2003 News Release 03/59
Geneva (ICRC) – In accordance with its mandate under international humanitarian law, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has started visiting people detained by the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands.
In addition, discussions between the ICRC, the Solomon Islands authorities, and the Regional Assistance Mission resulted in agreement that the ICRC would continue its visits to other detainees, which have been under way since the unrest and tensions of 1999.
Among those recently visited was Harold Keke, whom ICRC delegates saw on 22 August. The ICRC is monitoring the cases of all registered detainees and will make periodic follow-up visits.
A significant part of the ICRC's international mandate concerns the visiting of persons held in detention, during which the organization assesses conditions and offers detainees the possibility of exchanging news with their families by means of Red Cross messages.
In accordance with standard ICRC procedures, all information gathered during these visits is treated confidentially, including information on the conditions of detention. The organization conveys its findings and recommendations only to the authorities concerned.
Further information:
Greg Clewley, ICRC Suva, tel. ++679 330 21 56
Eros Bosisio, ICRC Geneva, tel. ++41 22 730 21 01