UN praises PNG’s human rights steps, urges greater inclusion for women
The Secretary General of the United Nations His Excellency Antonio Guterres has commended Papua New Guinea for its significant progress in peacebuilding and human rights.
In his address at the parliament today, H.E Guterres issue a call to action to all members of parliament to ensure women are at the heart of the nation's development.
His Excellency Guterres’s said PNG’s mission to be ‘one people and one country’ and to leave no one behind can only be realized and achieved with the full participation of women.
"No story of peace or progress is complete without fully including half of the population."
Mr. Guterres added that the sobering reality of gender-based violence [GBV] in the country was addressed, noting the statistic that two out of three women experience it.
He said UN-backed Spotlight Initiative, launched in PNG five years ago as part of a global effort to end violence against women and girls, was highlighted as a crucial intervention.
“I also commend recent actions by the nation's leaders. This includes a landmark parliamentary session in March dedicated to testimonies on GBV, which led to the formation of the Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.
“Empowering woman is not just a matter of justice but a cornerstone of national prosperity. Ensuring greater voice and representation of women is not only a matter of justice, it is a matter of national strength," Guterres stated.
"Families thrive. Communities grow stronger. And institutions become more responsive when we uphold the rights of all."
However, PNG’s commitment to this principle was further recognized through the launch of its National Human Rights Strategy and its pledge to establish a National Human Rights Commission.
Meantime, United Nations continue to reaffirm its support for the young people, persons with disabilities, and women of Papua New Guinea.
UN commend the courage and resilience of the women of Papua New Guinea and expressing their desire to hear their stories in the days ahead.