Douglas Hou

The Public Solicitors Office of the Solomon Islands is funded by the government for citizens of the region who cannot afford the cost of private legal representation. The Public Solicitors Office is an independent organisation which generally claims damages from the government on behalf of the people of the Solomon Islands. The Public Solicitors Office is the only organisation providing a free legal service for the less privileged within the Solomon Islands. Douglas advocates for basic human rights within the Solomon Islands by taking legal cases which deal with the protection of customary land rights, as well as defending the rights of people charged with criminal offences by the government. Douglas has been working in this capacity for the last 9 years, and was a legal advisor to the office of the Ombudsman prior to this. In his legal work, Douglas has dealt extensively with local NGOs such as the women’s group Voice Blo Mere, and the Rokotanikeni Association. He has been particularly involved with women’s organisations in relation to the issues of domestic violence and custody claims over children.