Joint Statement by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Davis Steven and UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea Mr. Gianluca Rampolla on the occasion of the International Day for Human Rights.

Human Rights Day marks an occasion for people all over the world, and throughout Papua New Guinea, to reaffirm our commitment as a nation, to the foundation of human rights, which is that all people, everywhere, are entitled to respect to human dignity, the equal rights and fundamental freedoms. These rights are enshrined in the Constitution of Papua New Guinea and bind us together as human beings.

To turn these rights into a reality, we must be vigilant in our commitment to standing up for human rights in this country, allowing space for diverse voices to be heard, as well as listened to. This is essential to the creation of a future of peace, justice, and sustainable development in all parts of Papua New Guinea. Increasingly, the nexus between peace, development, and human rights, has been recognized as requiring an integrated approach. Without concerted action to respect human rights, effort for peace and development in Papua New Guinea will be severely limited.

This year the global theme for Human Rights Day is, ‘Youth Standing for Human Rights,’ recognizing the potential role of youth as constructive agents of change. In Papua New Guinea, it is estimated that 54% of the population is 24 years old or younger.  As the future leaders of tomorrow, it is critical that we support the youth of PNG to be healthy, well educated, employable, and able to effectively contribute to the economic and social development of this country.

Together, with countries around the world, Papua New Guinea is working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. It is important that in the attainment of these 17 Goals, we ensure that we are addressing inequality in society, and that all members of this richly diverse nation are able to actively participate in Papua New Guinea’s development, in line with the principle of “leaving no one behind.” This includes recognizing and supporting increased political representation of youth and women in governance and policymaking.

As we commemorate Human Rights Day, we are confronted with immense challenges in making rights real for all people in Papua New Guinea. People are increasingly worried about human rights issues such as tribal fights and loss of life and property with impunity; violence against women and girls; violence based on accusations of sorcery; limited access to justice and basic services, including lack of quality healthcare and education for the 80% of Papua New Guineans who live in remote villages and communities. It is precisely at times of uncertainty that human rights are needed the most and can guide us forward.

Every day we are inspired by the courage and resilience of women, men, and young people, who stand up for human rights across Papua New Guinea, as human rights defenders, and ordinary Papua New Guineans, who are committed to contribute in achieving peace, justice, and freedom for all.

Their voices are the living expression of human rights. To amplify these voices, the establishment of an independent national human rights commission is critical as such an institution can play a role in bridging between people and the Government.  The Government of Papua New Guinea, with the support of the United Nations, is committed to making significant progress towards achieving this.

Though the Government is the primary duty bearer, we all share a joint responsibility to uphold human rights in Papua New Guinea: this includes civil society, companies and businesses, development partners and every individual citizen.  Wherever respect for human rights is upheld, the duty bearers are made accountable, the dignity of eight million people in Papua New Guinea is uplifted, suffering of women, children and vulnerable people is prevented, and the foundations for a more just world is strengthened. Human rights is about our future, our livelihoods, our freedoms, our security, and our environment. Together, we must keep pushing forward, hopeful and invigorated to stand up for human rights every day.