http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20071123/focus.htm
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ABG) is enjoying a renewed focus to its law and justice activities.
Its staff with assistance from the ABG administration has seen a marked improvement in the sector.
“We are moving steadily and will soon extend our activities to the rest of the island,” says Ephraim Eminoni, the ABG’s head of community development.
“We have a very strong leadership at the helm of the law and justice working group and that has set the benchmark of how we are to address this,” he said.
Mr Eminoni, who is also a member of the ABG law and justice sector working group, is confident, of more success ahead following consultations and visits to many districts.
His optimism is based on a number of key areas, which has strengthened the sector and has been welcomed by the community. These areas, which have taken a long time to achieve, have cemented what the PNG National Law and Justice Sector is advocating, a sectoral approach to addressing law and justice. The region emphasised restorative justice principles as well as increasing its network with the non-government and womens organisations.
A key attribute, according to Mr Eminoni, has been the awareness campaign carried out in the post crisis days, which has prompted community support and their desire for normalcy.
“The sector has been fortunate to have the support of the community especially the Council of Chiefs and the elders. It has been a great support for us, because of their influence which has reflected their commitment to us,” said Mr Eminoni.
His comments have been amplified earlier by the ABG’s chief executive officer for law and justice, Chris Siriosi. He reinforced the strategy which he said was to prevent issues from becoming problems.
“The new strategy is to ensure that we develop avenues to resolve some of the issues we face on the island. That means we have to be vigilant and endeavor not to send these through the court process,” said Mr Siriosi.
This new emphasis has also taken on board a number of key NGOs who have, not only blended with the ABG approach, but have also created stimulating and hearty activities for women and the youth.
A key area noted by Mr Siriosi is the composition of the law and justice sector working group. He said the group had been proactive in its approach.
“This assists us to gain momentum and allows us to take law and justice to another level, but in partnership with the community,” said Mr Siriosi.
Some key achievements have been noticeable, and have triggered more support and enthusiasm.
* The successful community auxiliary policing, which has spread all over the island and is proving to be very successful;
* Increased partnerships with the NGOs, churches and community based groups;
* Increased programs by NGOs;
* Increased interaction with Council of Chiefs and Elders;
* Regular consultation with leaders and community;
* Success with the Boug-ainville Games in 2005;
* Robust awareness on law and justice issues; and
* Increased networking with other sectors on the ABG administration.
One of the key achievements has been the Amnesty International Award by the Peace Foundation Melanesia for their work on achieving peace.
ABG’s police commander Assistant Commissioner Peter Nessat has also praised the achievements by the sector.
Mr Nessat, who has just commenced duties, says the successful awareness raising efforts have come to fruition, and he believes this is an opportune occasion for newer activities.
“The sector has done a lot and awareness alone has been the biggest catalyst to achieving some of these objectives. The next step is to pace to the next level but this time, with tangible achievements. Things people can see the work of the sector manifest,” said Mr Nessat. In anticipation for this, the sector has surged ahead, building Community Justice Centres in three districts, Torokina, Tinputz and Wakunai. The centres are designed to be a one-stop-shop for all community activities, where the women, youth and children can all have a place to participate.
Mr Nessat is keen on ensuring that the rule of law is respected, but at the same time, the cultural values are not eroded.
ABG’s efforts have been applauded by the National Law and Justice Sector Committee. A recent visit to the island by Dominic Tomer and Herman Buago of the working group has labelled it a model province.
The meetings, and improvements have heralded it as a reservoir for information and examples that can be extended to other parts of the country.
As Mr Siriosi sums it up, ABG is keen and is rearing opportunities to prevent issues from escalating, and the avenue has been increasingly positive.And, with a committed ABG administration at the helm with support, its long term objective is slowly on the way toward, a just and safe Autonomous Bougainville Region
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