Pacific Islands Forum. 2004 ‘Seizure and Destruction of Weapons.’ Social Impact Assessment of Peace Restoration Initiatives in Solomon Islands. Nadi, Fiji: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Regional Rights Resource Team. 1 March

Relevant contents

- The visiting [RAMSI*] contingent may seize any weapons, as necessary for the achievement of a public purpose.
- The visiting contingent may, with the permission in writing of the Solomon Islands Commissioner of Police, destroy seized weapons.
- The visiting contingent shall, as far as practicable, record particulars of weapons seized or destroyed, including serial numbers (if applicable) and the dates and places of seizure or destruction, and the particulars of the persons from whom they were seized.
- In considering whether to give permission under subsection (2), the Commissioner shall take into account whether it is likely that the weapons will be required for production as evidence in ongoing criminal investigation or civil matters …

Control of weapons - Controlled weapons area

The Governor-General may publish a notice that:

- declares an area in the territory of the Solomon Islands to be a controlled weapons area; and
- states that members of the visiting contingent are permitted to carry weapons in the area; and
- specifies other persons who are permitted to carry weapons in the area; and
- prohibits all other persons from carrying weapons in the area.

A person who carries a weapon in a controlled weapons area while prohibited from doing so by a notice under subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of $25,000 or imprisonment for 10 years, or both.

Weapons surrender area

The Governor-General may publish a notice that:

- declares an area in the territory of the Solomon Islands to be a weapons surrender area; and
- states that members of the visiting contingent are permitted to possess weapons in the area; and
- specifies other persons who are permitted to possess weapons in the area; and
- prohibits all other persons from possessing weapons in the area.

A person who:

(a) is prohibited from possessing a weapon by a declaration under subsection (1); and
(b) is in, or comes into, possession of a weapon; and (c) fails to give the weapon, as soon as practicable, to a member of the visiting contingent shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of $25,000 or imprisonment for 10 years, or both.

*Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands