Opening of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The Commission was officially launched on April 29, 2009, at the Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands.
Thousands of Solomon Islanders attended the opening, which included a speech by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Tutu spoke of the need for forgiveness in the country to achieve a long term, sustainable peace. Prime Minister Derek Sikua told the crowd that the TRC marked an important day in the history of the Solomon Islands and the years of ethnic violence which engulfed the country, "The launching of the Commission is a vital part of the efforts as Solomon Islands continue to work towards closure of a most challenging chapter in the history of the country, when disputes led to conflict and conflict erupted into violence between communities."
Tutu is also hosting a conference called the Winds of Change, which will bring together former combatants from Malaita and Guadalcanal for reconciliation talks.
Read more about this topic: Truth And Reconciliation Commission (Solomon Islands)
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