Prime Minister James Marape is making law and order a top priority for Papua New Guinea (PNG).
After returning from the United Nations General Assembly, he shared his plans to improve security in the country.
Marape highlighted the need for peace to begin within communities, with all citizens playing their part.
“For us, PNG in the local context is internal security that is really important, number one,” Marape said.
He linked law and order to human rights, explaining that these are crucial to maintaining peace in PNG.
The Prime Minister stressed that fixing security issues is a long-term task.
“We will not sleep until the law-and-order issues are really fixed correctly in our country going forward,” he said, showing his government’s strong commitment.
He also mentioned that structural changes and proper policies will be needed to bring lasting peace and security to the nation.
Marape also emphasized that PNG should align with global security standards, using the United Nations’ “one rulebook” to guide the country’s efforts.
He discussed how important it is to follow international frameworks in domestic governance, especially when resolving conflicts.
He praised the UN for its help in global conflict resolution, mentioning how it assisted PNG in Bougainville’s peace process. This success is a model for applying the UN’s guidelines locally.
“For me, as a country, we also ask the United Nations to be more present here,” Marape said, urging for more UN involvement in local programs.
He called for greater UN support, especially in resolving tribal conflicts and other security problems. International cooperation, he explained, is key to improving law and order across the country.
To improve security in Port Moresby, Marape announced a K10 million investment in installing CCTV cameras.
This project will target key areas like downtown, Boroko, and Jacksons Airport, with plans to expand it to other major cities such as Lae, Mt Hagen, and Kokopo.
“We’re working in partnership with NCDC to ensure the safety of our city,” Marape stated, emphasizing the importance of making Port Moresby a safer place for residents and businesses.
This initiative is part of the government’s larger effort to modernize urban areas and promote peace and security.
The Prime Minister commended Kokopo MP Ereman ToBaining for already working on the CCTV program in Kokopo.
Marape said that this security measure is only the beginning of a long-term plan to improve law and order in PNG’s main cities, ensuring that future budgets will allocate more funds for security projects.
Through these initiatives, Marape is aiming for a safer and more peaceful PNG, with local and international cooperation playing key roles.