The Department of Provincial and Local-level Government Affairs (DPLGA) recognizes that climate change and development projects have significantly contributed to increased internal displacements in Papua New Guinea.
Due to the rise in natural disasters and tribal conflicts, a well-structured and humane response is also crucial for ensuring protection and assistance for affected individuals and communities.
With that purpose, on Thursday October 3rd, DPLGA Secretary Philip Leo led a one-day validation workshop in Port Moresby, aimed at finalizing the draft National Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Policy.
This policy is essential in providing guidance and solutions for the challenges faced by displaced persons in the country.
The workshop gathered national stakeholders, department agency representatives, development partners, and other non-state actors involved in disaster risk management and mitigation.
Mr. Leo emphasized the importance of collective input, stating, “We, as a country, have witnessed increased internal displacements induced by natural disasters, tribal conflicts, climate change, and development projects.”
He noted that the IDP policy focuses on four major types of disasters: natural disaster-induced displacement, manmade disaster-induced displacement, development-induced displacement, and climate change-induced disaster and displacement.
The participation of various stakeholders is critical to ensure the policy effectively addresses the needs of those affected by these crises.
The validation workshop aims to collect valuable feedback to refine the draft policy further.