8 Nov 2004

Amnesty calls for a halt to violence against women in the Solomons

7:29 am on 8 November 2004

Amnesty International is calling on the Solomon Island government to address what it calls the country's "appalling record" of violence against women.

A report due out today outlines incidences of rape and violence against women during the country's five year civil conflict.

Nearly 200 rapes were reported in the first six months of this year.

It also discusses continuing attacks on women that remain largely unreported.

Amnesty International is calling for the Solomons government to implement a National Policy on Violence against Women, and to ensure the policy meets international standards.

Amnesty's report follows marches in Papua New Guinea and American Samoa against domestic abuse.