UN welcomes commitment by PNG Constabulary to improve law enforcement

The UN in Papua New Guinea welcomes the recent declarations of the Commissioner of the Royal PNG Constabulary, recommitting the police service to its fundamental duties and functions and restoring conduct and accountability. 

Police in Papua New Guinea often work in difficult environments including areas where violence is rampant. In parts of PNG killings and abuses are frequently committed in situations involving sexual and domestic violence, accusations of sorcery, tribal fighting and revenge culture. Lethal consequences of the excessive use of force by the police and other related violations have also been reported. By strengthening police control and command, investigations, and training, more effectiveness can be achieved in countering crime and preventing and responding to human rights violations. This is vital for maintaining public confidence in law enforcement agencies. 

2016 provides a new opportunity for progressing on rule of law, human rights, and gender equality in Papua New Guinea. In May 2016, the Government will present its national report under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a unique process under which all UN Member States examine and discuss actions they have taken and are taking to improve the human rights situation in their countries. The recommendations emanating from the UPR cover several areas, including law enforcement. In that context, the new undertaking announced by the PNG police is a promising development. 

To strengthen governance and build stronger institutions, in addition to the UPR, the PNG Government has also been engaging with the ‘UN Special Procedures’. These are independent experts who, at the invitation of the Government, conduct assessments and report on specific issues. Most recent visits to PNG included that of the Special Rapporteur on torture who, in March 2010, assessed the situation of torture and ill-treatment in the country, including conditions of detention; of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, who, in March 2013, gathered information on violence targeting women within families, communities, institutions, and in the context of extractive industries’ development; and of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions who, in March 2014, examined the level of protection of the right to life in Papua New Guinea, including government efforts to prevent unlawful killings and to ensure justice and redress in such cases.