† Determined by national law or regulation as hazardous and, as such, relevant to Article 3(d) of International Labor Organization Convention (ILO C.) 182.
‡ Child labor understood as the worst forms of child labor per se under Article 3(a)–(c) of ILO C. 182.

Children at Higher Risk

In rural communities some boys, girls, and young women are recruited for domestic work and subsequently exploited in commercial sex at logging camps. Additionally, widespread social stigma against LGBTQI+ individuals in the Solomon Islands increases their vulnerability to human trafficking.

Barriers to Education Access

Teacher absenteeism, school fees, and transportation limitations present barriers to education access for students. Additionally, children with disabilities face distinct challenges accessing education due to a lack of accessible buildings and specialized teachers.

† Country has no standing military

In 2023, the Government of the Solomon Islands ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict. It also enacted the Education Act of 2023, which increased regulation of early childhood, primary, and secondary education, including registration of teachers, education providers, schools, and early childhood education centers. However, while the Education Act states that the compulsory school age begins at age 6, it does not specify an age when compulsory education ends. There are no laws that provide free basic education.

The Solomon Islands' minimum age for work, age 12, is not in compliance with the international standard of age 14 for developing countries. Additionally, although the Labor Act prohibits all children under age 18 from working at night and regulates work in mines and on ships, it does not clearly establish a minimum age for hazardous work or delineate the types of work considered hazardous for all children. The legal framework also does not prohibit dangerous work in scavenging or in agricultural activities, for which there is evidence of children being exposed to injuries, extreme temperatures, and chemicals. The Penal Code includes heightened penalties if an offense is committed against a child but has insufficient prohibitions against child trafficking because the transfer of children is not criminalized. Finally, the law also does not criminally prohibit the use of children in illicit activities.

† Policy was launched during the reporting period.

For information about USDOL’s projects to address child labor around the world, visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/ilab-project-page-search. For references, please visit dol.gov/childlaborreports
* The program was established during the reporting period.

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