UN BACKS PNG CUSTOMARY LAND REFORM
CAPTION: UN Resident Coordinator Dr Richard Howard
BY NIGEL MADO
THE United Nations has thrown its full support behind Papua New Guinea’s push to reform and strengthen the protection of customary land rights, describing land governance as central to the country’s peace, development, and long-term stability.
Speaking at the opening of the National Customary Landowner & Reform Seminar in Port Moresby, UN Resident Coordinator Dr Richard Howard said land issues sit at the core of many of PNG’s social, economic and security challenges, and must be addressed if sustainable development is to be achieved.
Dr Howard praised the work of the Special Parliamentary Committee on customary land, saying the strong turnout at the seminar reflected growing national recognition of the importance of land reform.
He said the UN system, including agencies such as UNDP, OHCHR and IOM, is working collectively with the PNG Government and civil society to strengthen legal frameworks and improve land governance.
Dr Howard stressed that protecting customary land rights is not anti-development, but rather a necessary foundation for development that benefits communities.
He added that PNG’s rich natural resources must translate into improved living standards, particularly in rural areas, where access to health, education, clean water and electricity remains limited.
Dr Howard said the UN stands ready to support the government not only in developing laws, but also in ensuring those laws work at the community level, where land ownership and decision-making are deeply rooted in custom.
