Corruption has long been an issue of public discontent and is an obstacle to sustainable development in Solomon Islands. The country, spread over 900 islands, covers distances that make the supervision of local and provincial governments problematic and costly. At the same time, with such a small population, politicians often personally know their constituents and expectations who also demand transparency and accountability from the governing structures. As the economy of Solomon Islands changes, from agriculture to logging and mining, the eventual scaling-up of acts of favoritism could be detrimental to political stability, the economy, and the environment.

The Anthony Saru building is the new home to the office of the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC). Unlike corruption, the building is easy to find. It is marked on most maps of Honiara as the highest building in the country. Many hope that with institutions like the SIICAC, finding and reporting corruption will be easier. The Commission is bound to a very down-to-earth mission: helping the public.

The Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption will provide citizens with an address to help stop corruption in their country. It will operate as an independent body and investigate and prosecute cases of corruption. With a process in place, checks and balances will build trust by increasing the integrity of government institutions.

Dr. Derek Mane, Deputy Secretary to the Prime Minister, says that although "there are anti-corruption commissions everywhere in the world," they are usually the last thing anyone wants to focus on. But with citizens experiencing corruption in their daily lives, lawmakers recognized the urgency of establishing and maintaining anti-corruption mechanisms. Once the office opens its doors, Dr. Mane also would like the public to "understand what SIICAC does, and that it's their office."

The foundation of what is now SIICAC began with policy formulation in 2017, leading to the formal creation of the Commission through the 2018 Anti-Corruption Act and the Whistleblowers Protection Act.

SIICAC's first Director-General, Mr. John Hugani Kouni, appointed in October 2020, is taking practical first steps toward creating a solid organization for the public. Despite budgetary constrictions and the COVID-19 pandemic, recruiting for the Commission in administrative roles and the second phase of hiring for Corruption Prevention, Legal and Prosecution, and Investigation divisions will start soon.

Yet, institutions are not just setting up an office and hiring, explains Dr. Mane, who has monitored the process from the Prime Minister's Office. Solomon Islands is working with other anti-corruption bodies overseas to support the technical aspect of detection and prevention. 

In 2019, the Government of Solomon Islands, through the Office of the Prime Minister, partnered with UNDP to design a comprehensive programme to tackle the corruption challenge on a holistic level, focusing on the integrity institutions, public service, private sector, and civil society. The Transparency and Accountability for the People of Solomon Islands – The Project for Strengthening the Capacities to Combat Corruption (TAPSCCC), supported by the Government of the Solomon Islands and the Government of Japan, was launched.

UNDP assisted with the establishment of SIICAC and continues to support them with their Annual Work Plan as well as providing technical advisory support to SIICAC. UNDP also supports other integrity institutions and law-enforcement agencies.

The project also contributes to raising public awareness on the negative impact of corruption on the country’s development. Through its small grants scheme, UNDP provides local NGOs with specialized training and resources to undertake concrete steps in promoting transparency and accountability within their communities. 

Ms Jennifer Wate, DSE General Secretary, the umbrella organization of local NGOs, points out that “They all [the grantees] are playing a critical role in the efforts to reduce the impact of corruption in their daily lives and to promote effective collaboration between the Government and civil society.”

Dr. Mane explains that getting rid of corruption in Solomon Islands will not "happen overnight", but it is important to “lay a strong foundation for making the country stronger and free from the ills of corruption”.

With the 2030 Agenda as a guiding thread, UNDP aims to reduce corruption and develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels to ensure the effective and timely achievement of national development outcomes.