The Solomon Islands has been a member of the ILO since 1984. To date the country has ratified 14 ILO Conventions, including one Fundamental Convention (No.29 on the elimination of forced and compulsory labour).
Civil unrest in 1999 destroyed the economic and social base of Solomon Islands. The country used to enjoy mid-level economic growth but suddenly became a Least Developed Country.
When law and order was restored the ILO’s programme concentrated on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of industries, businesses and infrastructure, HV/AIDS, occupational safety and health, social protection, and reviving the tripartite dialogue between the Government, workers’ and employers’ organizations.
A number of ILO methodologies and tools are being adapted and tested for use in the country, including workplace policies and strategies relating to HIV/AIDS (these have been developed with the regional grouping of Chiefs of Police), and policies that promote the involvement of men as partners in reproductive health - so promoting more gender responsive and productive workplaces.
The country has also been part of a social security project covering a number of Pacific states.
Baseline research studies on social protection, workers’ compensation, the efficiency of provident funds, traditional social protection systems, and the formal and informal employment sectors have been carried out, and the recommendations are being used to guide policy formation.
ILO work in the Solomon Islands is handled through the ILO’s Office for the Pacific in Fiji.