CCAC CALL FOR COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO ADDRESS LAWLESSNESS

By Therese PIDIK, Port Moresby

The Community Coalition Against Corruption (CCAC) is gravely concerned by the escalating wave of lawlessness and frequency of violent crimes across Papua New Guinea.

Today the Community Coalition Against Corruption Steering Committee including John Byrne (Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry); Wilma Kosi (PNG TUC); Michael Guka (PNG Council of Churches, PNGCC); Co-Chairs Peter Aitsi (Transparency International PNG) and Neville Choi (Media Council of PNG) and Cathy Alex of Advancing PNG: Women Leader’s Network, in a Press Conference at the Catholic Bishops Conference, urged the Prime Minister, Police hierarchy and public officials to put in place a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of crime, which include a weak economy, increased unemployment, poverty, and the inequal access to opportunities.

This call for action follows escalating levels of violent crimes across the country including the recent killings in East New Britain, Enga, Port Moresby and the growing levels of criminal activity present a serious danger that ordinary citizens face in their daily lives.

The CCAC Steering Committee singled out that the deterioration of governance in public offices and the resulting breakdown of law and order, coupled with soaring unemployment rates and the crippling cost of living, has created a toxic environment that is breeding crime and violence nationwide.

This crisis cannot be ignored; it demands immediate and decisive action from all elected leaders, public official and community groups.

CCAC urges the Prime Minister, Police hierarchy and public officials to put in place a comprehensive strategy to combat crime and not just the current piecemeal approach of reacting and responding to incidents.
The focus must be on prevention and deterrence, the police must play the leading role in restoring safety and security to our communities.

A comprehensive and strategic operational plan is urgently needed to address the root causes of crime, which include economic recovery, employment creation, addressing poverty, inequality, and more equitable access to opportunities.

According to CCAC, along with the above this plan should involve a range of measures, such as increased police visibility, improved community policing, and targeted interventions to address specific crime hotspots.
The CCAC stands in unwavering solidarity with the victims of crime and their families and is calling on the Government and law enforcement agencies to unite in a concerted effort to restore peace and security to our nation.