Port Moresby, 3 October 2024 – A full-day workshop took place in Port Moresby as the Government of Papua New Guinea, led by the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLGA) and supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and partners, worked to develop a comprehensive National Internally Displaced Persons Policy (NIDPP).  

This policy aims to address the rising challenge of internal displacement in the country. The workshop began with opening remarks and acknowledgments from Mr. Philip Leo, Secretary of DPLGA. Following this, DPLGA Director General Mr. James Agigo delivered a presentation that outlined the overview and background of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the need for an IDP policy. Additionally, DPLGA consultant Michael Unage, PhD presented the draft content of the NIDPP. 

Internal displacement involves individuals who have been forced to leave their homes yet remain within their country's borders. To address this issue, the NIDPP aims to create a structured and coordinated framework for supporting displaced persons in the country. This initiative aligns with global efforts outlined in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement and adheres to the principles of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Constitution. 

In 2022, the National Situational Report estimated that hundreds of people were displaced from their homes due to various causes. Internal displacement in the country is primarily triggered by disasters induced by natural- and human-induced hazards, development activities, and the effects of climate change. While the challenges of displacement are complex, they lead to long-term social, economic, and cultural impacts, including the loss of traditional land, property, and livelihoods. Short-term effects include food and water shortages, inadequate shelter, and loss of income. 

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Government of PNG is committed to addressing the issue of internal displacement through a structured and sustainable approach. The NIDPP, developed with inputs from provincial consultations and field assessments conducted between 2020 and 2024, aims to bridge the policy and legislative gaps previously overlooked. It seeks to strengthen governance and institutional frameworks to effectively assist IDPs, prevent new displacements by addressing root causes, provide immediate relief and essential services during displacements, and facilitate durable solutions for displaced populations. 

The European (EU) Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Jacques Fradin delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of NIDPP within the context of international cooperation and the need for collective action. He shared valuable insights on how addressing internal displacement was crucial for fostering stability and development in PNG, emphasizing the EU's support for the government's initiatives. 

The development of the NIDPP is a crucial step towards addressing the growing issue of internal displacement in the country, ensuring that the rights and dignity of IDPs are respected and protected. It also aligns with international frameworks, such as the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement, which emphasizes the importance to find durable solutions, preventing new displacement crises, and providing essential protection and assistance. 

The NIDPP emphasizes the need for collective responsibility in addressing internal displacement. It calls for the active participation of communities, faith-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, development partners, private sector, partners and the UN. Together, these stakeholders work in collaboration with the government to ensure that IDPs are included in the overall social, political, and economic development of the country. 

This policy marks a critical milestone in Papua New Guinea's commitment to upholding human rights, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring that no one is left behind. The Government of Papua New Guinea also expresses gratitude to USAID for funding Displacement Tracking Matrix operations, which were essential for gathering evidence on displacement situations, and to the IOM Development Fund for its generous support of this important policy initiative. 

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For further information, please contact IOM Port Moresby: 

Peter Murorera, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: pmurorera@iom.int  

Anne Mandal, Tel: +675 72026763, Email: amandal@iom.int