The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) has concluded its consultations for Terms of Reference No. 27 (TOR 27), which calls for a review of the laws relating to internal displacement in Papua New Guinea.
The two-day consultation held in the National Capital District (NCD) brought together key government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), representatives of internally displaced groups, civil society and members of the general public to share their views, experiences and concerns on internal displacement in PNG.
The discussions focused on four key issues identified through CLRC’s desktop research and stakeholder engagements. These include the lack of a clear and comprehensive legal framework for internally displaced persons (IDPs); the lack of an effective institutional framework; gaps in data and information management; and issues relating to cultural identity and land rights.
Participants were guided through a series of questions under each issue, providing an opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by internally displaced persons and identify potential areas for law reform.
As part of the consultation process, CLRC engaged relevant government agencies, organisations and stakeholders, including the Department of Education, Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council, Manam Resettlement Authority, Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC), National Housing Corporation (NHC), National Statistical Office (NSO), National Disaster Centre, Department of Lands and Physical Planning, National Energy Authority, Department for Community Development and Religion, representatives of internally displaced groups and members of the general public.
CLRC Deputy Secretary for Legislative Services, Mrs Dorothy Mimiko-Kesenga, said the consultation was an integral part of the Commission’s law review and reform process, particularly in identifying legislative and administrative gaps relating to internal displacement.
“We respect the agencies that are already in existence, their processes and the systems that they have. Our job is to review and see if there are any gaps or challenges that we can address to fully equip the existing organisations to perform their mandate accordingly.”
She further emphasised the importance of stakeholder participation in informing the Commission’s law reform work.
“Your views are very important, and when it comes to the practical application of it, it’s people like yourselves who will provide us with the information so that CLRC, in its core mandate of law review and reform, can propose practical solutions.”
The conclusion of the two-day NCD consultation marks the completion of CLRC’s provincial consultations for TOR 27. However, the online consultation remains open, and stakeholders and members of the general public are encouraged to participate and share their views.
The online consultation for TOR 27 can be accessed through the following link: TOR No. 27: Review of the Laws Relating to Internal Displacement in PNG – Fill out form.
In accordance with CLRC’s law review and reform process, a seminar will subsequently be held to vet the Commission’s proposed law reform recommendations for TOR 27 before the recommendations are submitted for tabling in Parliament.
