Perceptions of Peacebuilding in Solomon Islands Post-RAMSI

Abstract

This In Brief is based on the National Perceptions Survey on Peacebuilding for Solomon Islands commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme under a United Nations Peacebuilding Fund project implemented by UNDP and UN Women (UNDP 2018). The purpose of the study was to provide fresh insight into Solomon Islanders’ perceptions of peacebuilding immediately after RAMSI’s withdrawal. In July and August 2017, 2503 people were surveyed in 24 enumeration areas, which were mainly in and around centres across seven provinces, and included the national capital, Honiara. Limitations to the methodology used included the concentration of target samples in peri-urban and urban areas. While we attempted to mitigate clustering issues around the survey sites, the reported findings should be interpreted in this light.

This In Brief summarises some of the survey’s key findings. In particular we highlight the perceived dissipation (but not disappearance) of inter-ethnic tensions and the renewed focus on core development issues among Solomon Islanders. Interested readers should consult the full report.