The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) has launched an Issues Paper to commence its nationwide review of laws relating to internal displacement in Papua New Guinea under Terms of Reference No. 27 (TOR 27).
The review seeks to identify legal; policy and institutional gaps affecting the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and recommend legislative and policy reforms to establish a more comprehensive and coordinated framework for preventing, managing and responding to internal displacement. CLRC was tasked by the Minister for Justice and Attorney General on the 15th of April 2026 to conduct its review into TOR 27.
The review will consider related pieces of legislation and instruments such as the Constitution, the Disaster Management Act 1984, Land Act 1996, Land Groups Incorporation Act 1974, Climate Change Act 2015, and other relevant legislation, policies and instruments concerning displacement, land, housing, livelihoods, social protection and access to essential services.
The Commission noted that Papua New Guinea currently has no dedicated legislation governing the protection, assistance and administration of internally displaced persons. Existing laws address aspects of displacement but do not provide a comprehensive framework defining the rights of displaced persons, institutional responsibilities, data management, protection, resettlement and durable solutions. The review will also build on the recently endorsed National Displaced Persons Policy 2025 -2035, with CLRC examining the need for supporting legislation to give effect to its objectives and strengthen institutional coordination.
CLRC Secretary Dr. Mange Matui emphasised that the Issues Paper marks the beginning of a broad consultation process and called for participation from stakeholders and the wider public.
“The success of this review will not be measured simply by the recommendations we produce, but by whether those recommendations genuinely reflect the experiences, aspirations and needs of the people of Papua New Guinea.”
CLRC will undertake consultations with government agencies, provincial administrations, churches, civil society organisations, development partners, academia, community leaders and affected communities throughout the country.
The Commission is encouraging members of the public and stakeholders to read the Issues Paper, participate in consultations and provide their views to help shape practical and responsive law reform recommendations. CLRC will also conduct online consultations for the review.
The CLRC is PNG’s mandated law reform agency responsible for ensuring all laws remain relevant and responsive to the changing needs and aspirations of the people of Papua New Guinea.
CLRC Secretary Dr. Mange Matui (middle), with the technical working group for Terms of Reference No. 27 posing with the Issues Paper. Far right is CLRC Deputy Secretary for Legislative Services Mrs. Dorothy Mimiko-Kesenga.