Solomon Islands ratify UNESCO Anti-Doping Convention

Country’s signature brings Oceania region closer to full ratification ahead of the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to announce that the Solomon Islands has become the 181^st state party to ratify the International Convention against Doping in Sport.

The announcement means there now remain just 14 countries worldwide that have yet to become signatories.

“After the signatures of Kiribati, Honduras and Palestine in the last three weeks, I am delighted to see the Solomon Islands cement its commitment to clean sport. This sends the right message to athletes in the Solomon Islands and around the world.” said WADA President, Sir Craig Reedie.

“I would like to commend the team of individuals from government and sports who have helped make this happen: the Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Honorable Milner Tozaka; the Minister for Home Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister who is responsible for sports within Government, the Right Honorable Douglas Ete; the Solomon Islands National Olympic Committee Secretary General, Melinda Avosa and President Martin Rara; the Oceania National Olympic Committee’s Secretary General, Ricardo Blas; WADA Foundation Board member and President of the Oceania National Olympic Committee, Dr. Robin Mitchell; the Executive Officer for the Oceania Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO), Natanya Potoi.

The International Convention against Doping in Sport, which was adopted on 19 October 2005, is the practical instrument by which governments formalize their commitment to the fight against doping. Given that many governments cannot be bound by a non-governmental document such as the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), the Convention allows governments to align their domestic policies with the Code, thus harmonizing the rules governing anti-doping in sport and public legislation. Under UNESCO standards, the Convention has set records in terms of the speed with which it was prepared, adopted and ratified.

The population of the world that has pledged its support to clean sport through the Convention is 98%.