Historic Step Forward for Customary Land Reform in Papua New Guinea

The National Parliament today unanimously endorsed a report presented by the Special Parliamentary Committee on Customary Land and Land Reforms , marking a historic milestone in Papua New Guinea's longstanding conversation on customary land protection and governance.

Borne out of an extensive nationwide inquiry undertaken by the Special Parliamentary Committee with the support from UNDP and UN Human Rights, the landmark report includes a proposed bill entitled “Customary Land Tenure Act 2026” that seeks to enhance tenurial protections for customary landowners. The report and enclosed bill propose to establish a clan registry and a customary lands registry, implement strict rules for land leases, and rationalize the system for resolving disputes concerning customary land. 

These reforms will help ensure transparency in land administration, support sustainable development, and safeguard the rights of Indigenous Papua New Guineans. Customary land, which constitutes over 97% of Papua New Guinea's land, is crucial to the nation's identity, cohesion, and holistic growth. 

Hon. Keith Iduhu, MP (Hiri Koairi Open), Chair of the Special Parliamentary Committee, said the report reflects the most extensive and inclusive consultative processes undertaken by Parliament on this issue.

"The Committee's work has been guided by a clear objective: to ensure customary land remains in the hands of traditional landowners, with a strong legal and policy framework that protects their rights and supports sustainable development," Iduhu said. 

According to Iduhu, the proposed Customary Land Tenure Act aims to strengthen recognition of Papua New Guinea's diverse customary governance practices and provide a trustworthy mechanism to document and administer customary land, benefiting present and future generations. Iduhu explained that the Committee is proposing to legislate important safeguards, including a clan registry and a customary land registry, strict rules governing customary land leases and subsidiary agreements, and transparent decision-making by legitimate customary leaders to prevent elite capture.

"The proposed system will help create wealth for all Papua New Guineans, and democratize access to the nations’ vast resources, while upholding the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and ensuring Indigenous communities have the final say over the use of their lands," he emphasized.

“Our land is our life. Parliament has a duty to protect our life and land,” he underscored. 

The United Nations in Papua New Guinea welcomed the report's tabling as a historic step toward strengthening rights-based land governance and committed to providing technical assistance and  building the capacity of local leaders to implement the report's recommendations.

Dr. Richard Howard, United Nations Resident Coordinator, said: "Land is deeply connected to people's identity, rights, and livelihoods. The tabling of this report shows the country’s commitment to tackling complex land governance issues through dialogue, evidence, and inclusive policymaking. This is the key to unleashing the social and economic potential of this country." 

"The report lays the groundwork for customary landowners to enjoy greater security, a stronger voice in decisions, and fair opportunities to benefit from their land. The United Nations stands ready to continue supporting Papua New Guinea in strengthening land governance systems that promote social cohesion, human rights, and sustainable development," Dr. Howard added.

Mr. Aadil Mansoor, UNDP Resident Representative (Officer-in-Charge), noted that transparent and inclusive land governance is key to human development. "Clear and trusted systems for customary land governance can unlock opportunities for sustainable investment and local economic development, while enabling communities to make decisions about their land." 

Mansoor added, “this reform process is about making development work for communities, not against them. By strengthening institutions that support fair and transparent land governance, Papua New Guinea can create conditions for sustainable development and gender equality, while protecting its diverse environment and adapting to climate change." 

Mr. Marc Cebreros, UN Human Rights Advisor, highlighted the importance of aligning customary land governance with human rights standards.

"Customary land underpins human rights to housing, food, culture, and development. Strengthening its legal protection ensures that land-related decisions respect the dignity, participation, and consent of communities."

“The human rights-based approach also means ensuring that customary land governance promotes inclusion and does not perpetuate harmful or discriminatory practices, particularly affecting women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities,” he emphasized.

The Special Parliamentary Committee emphasized that the tabling of the report marks the beginning of a broader national conversation, urging public participation in consultations, stakeholder meetings, and parliamentary debates as Parliament considers the recommendations and proposed legislation.

The United Nations reaffirmed its continued partnership with the Government and people of Papua New Guinea in supporting an inclusive, transparent, and human rights-based approach to land governance.

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