Project Launch and first annual report
On Wednesday, 10 August, Hagar partner NGO HOPE Trust conducted their official project launch with assistance from Hagar. Over 60 people attended the hybrid event, at the Heritage Park hotel in Honiara and via Zoom, including the Chief Immigration Officer, the Director for Public Prosecutions and Guadalcanal community members. Representatives from the NZ High Commission, the Transnational Crime Unit & Interpol, the Public Solicitor’s Office, the IOM, Solomon Islands Christian Association, Ola Fou, Homes of Hope, Tearfund, LIFT, Hagar International, Hagar NZ and the HOPE Trust Board also attended. Global CEO of Hagar International, Andrew Catford and Sean from LIFT both presented at the event, which was deemed a great success. HOPE Trust has also completed their first Annual Report, with Hagar’s help and will now be launching into case work and prevention activities.
Community awareness and mapping
In August, HOPE Trust continued with community engagement and awareness raising in six communities, including Tenatui. Together with Ola Fou, HOPE Trust conducted community mapping exercises, aiming to develop safety net strategies, identify suitable contacts in each community, and understand existing economic activities and resources. Hagar NZ’s Andrea attended Tenatui and visisted Tenatui and Mbina communities to see the project in action.
Meeting with the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF)
On August 22nd HOPE Trust and LIFT met with the Royal Solomon Island Police Force’s (RSIPF) Sexual Assault Unit Office. The Unit investigates general sexual assault cases.
When cases are reported, charges are made under the Penal Code Sexual Offences Amendment Act 2016 or sometimes, the Immigration Act. There is no child protection unit, so all cases regardless of victim age are dealt with by the Unit, who works closely with the Social Welfare Division and SAFENET partners on cases involving children. The Head of the Unit noted that sometimes victims refuse to come forward because engaging in activities like human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation and sexual abuse is their main source of income. The Unit acknowledged that it is important to also cater for the social needs of both victim and offender. They agreed to collaborate with HOPE Trust and an MoU is being worked on and look forward to a strong partnership with HOPE Trust on this important project
Help us transform lives
Donate now
By partnering with Hagar, you’re supporting survivors to heal from the trauma of severe abuse. Our work is dependent on charitable giving by people like you.
Help us transform lives
Donate now
By partnering with Hagar, you’re supporting survivors to heal from the trauma of severe abuse. Our work is dependent on charitable giving by people like you.
Help us transform lives
Donate now
By partnering with Hagar, you’re supporting survivors to heal from the trauma of severe abuse. Our work is dependent on charitable giving by people like you.
Help us transform lives
Donate now
By partnering with Hagar, you’re supporting survivors to heal from the trauma of severe abuse. Our work is dependent on charitable giving by people like you.
