IOM PRESENTS DRAFT IDP POLICY TO DPLGA

THE International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Papua New Guinea presented the draft Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) policy to the National Government through the Department of Provincial and
Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) last Friday.

During the handover ceremony, DPLGA Secretary Mr. Philip Leo emphasized that the IDP policy is designed to comprehensively address the immediate and long-term needs of internally displaced persons.

“The situational analysis conducted by the DPLGA and its partners identified critical policy gaps requiring immediate attention. It revealed that a significant number of people within our communities is periodically displaced by various factors, becoming among the most vulnerable and marginalized citizens.

Although these individuals remain within the borders of our nation, they are often excluded from essential social and economic services provided by the government, further exacerbating their challenges,” Secretary Leo said.

He added that the policy identifies specific areas within existing legislation and related policies that require review and amalgamation to ensure practical and functional effectiveness.

Internal displacement disrupts and separates people from their familiar environments, families, clan groups, cultural practices, and identities. It results in substantial losses of social and economic activities, sometimes
lasting months or even years.

IOM Chief of Mission, Mr. David Arnold, stated that once the policy is implemented, it will provide a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing the multifaceted needs of displaced populations, ensuring long-term solutions, and promoting their integration into society.

In 2015, the Central Agency Coordination Committee (CACC) mandated DPLGA to formulate a national policy to address the needs of internally displaced persons. This directive was issued in response to the alarming increase in IDP numbers across the nation.

Subsequently, DPLGA, working in partnership with IOM, and relevant government agencies, undertook a desktop review and a situational analysis, gathering data and information from 17 provinces to assess the various causes of internal displacement, including disasters, conflict, and development related displacements.

The National IDP Policy was developed on the basis of these documents, supplemented by
extensive consultations with stakeholders at both the national and regional
levels.

The drafting of the policy received financial support from the IOM Development Fund, facilitating its development and ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by displaced populations.