Freliz Fakarii

My name is Freliz Fakarii and I am a Principal Crown Counsel in the Litigation Division of Attorney-General’s Chambers of Solomon Islands.

As Crown Counsel my daily work involves providing legal advice to government ministries and agencies, legal representation for government ministries in the Courts, vetting of grant, loan agreements, memoranda of understanding and other instruments.

Prior to this role, I was a Senior Legal Officer in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, prosecuting criminal offences in both the Magistrate’s Court and High Court of Solomon Islands.

My current work now centres on administrative law under our regulatory legislation such as the Forest Resources and Timber Utilisation Act, Lands and Titles Act and Income Tax Act. I also have experience in national and provincial election petitions and in Constitutional matters such as a recent national issue in our jurisdiction on the extension of the life of Parliament.

I am also the current Vice President of the Solomon Islands Bar Association (SIBA). The SIBA Executive’s role involves working closely with relevant government ministries and the national judiciary in addressing issues affecting all legal practitioners. Part of our role also includes, deliberation on petitions for provisional and full admissions to practise in Solomon Islands. In carrying out this role, we strive to ensure the integrity and distinguished reputation of the legal fraternity is reflected.

Recently, I have had the privilege to participate in the sessions of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to end plastic pollution in the environment, including in the marine environment. This was based on UNEA Resolution 5/14. This experience has been both intensive and rewarding and I consider it an honour to represent Solomon Islands in a global negotiating arena. It was also an honour for me to speak on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in the Third Session of the INC.

Additionally, I am also currently engaged in coordinating submissions for the Solomon Islands on its national submissions regarding the request for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the impacts of climate change.

I continuously endeavour to dedicate my efforts to fulfil responsibilities I am entrusted with and I look forward to doing so any other opportunity that arises.