Solving Tribal Fight-Related Law and Order Problems in the Hela Province and other Highlands of Papua New Guinea

Photo Social Media: A tree is chopped off and blocking road along Tari -Koroba Hiway due to Tribal Fighting 

By Tarali Tarlzen Hibuya|TH Blog

Introduction:

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a diverse nation with a rich cultural heritage, and it is a home to numerous tribes and ethnic groups. However, one persistent issue that plagues the country, particularly the Hela and Enga Provinces in the Highlands, is tribal fight-related law and order problems. These conflicts, characterized by inter-tribal violence, have led to an erosion of the rule of law, loss of life, and social instability. This essay will outline a comprehensive framework for addressing tribal fight-related law and order problems in the Hela and Enga Provinces, as well as provide suggestions that can be applied to other areas facing similar challenges in PNG.

I. Strengthening Community Dialogue and Mediation:

1. Awareness and education programs: Conduct widespread awareness campaigns to educate communities about the negative consequences of tribal fights and the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means. In Hela Province, the Director for the Law and Justice Sector, Mr. Daniel Tumbiari is doing wonderful job and he must be applauded and supported.

Photo: Mr. Daniel Tumbiari and
Team in rural Beneria LLG carrying out
Awareness to tribal conflict area in which 
he is presenting balls and cash crop
plant seedlings.

2. Setting up community mediation centers: Establish community-based mediation centers, staffed by trained mediators who are respected members of the community. These centers can provide a neutral ground for conflicting parties to resolve their disputes amicably.

3. Traditional leaders' involvement: Engage local tribal leaders and traditional authorities to play a prominent role in promoting peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms. Their involvement will lend credibility and enhance the acceptance of the mediated outcomes within the community.

II. Enhancing Law Enforcement Capabilities:

1. Increased police presence: Strengthen the number of law enforcement personnel in the affected areas to deter violence and provide immediate response capacity to emerging conflicts. In Hela, the ratio of number of police to citizen population is very wide, which needs to be given consideration by political leaders in the province.

2. Police-community partnerships: Foster cooperation between local communities and the police force to develop a mutual understanding by organizing joint awareness programs, trust-building activities, and regular community policing engagements.

3. Specialized units: Establish specialized police units trained in conflict resolution, negotiation, and community-oriented policing to deal specifically with tribal fights in the Highlands. Equipping officers with cultural awareness training will ensure they approach conflicts sensitively, fostering trust among local communities.

III. Promoting Social and Economic Development:

1. Infrastructure development: Invest in the construction of infrastructure, including roads, schools, hospitals, and community centers, to improve connectivity, access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Development projects can help reduce underlying causes of conflicts, such as resource scarcity and competition.

2. Livelihood programs: Implement sustainable livelihood initiatives that provide income-generating opportunities for local communities, reducing their dependency on land and scarce resources. Entrepreneurship training, agriculture support, vocational training, and microfinance programs can uplift communities economically, diverting energies from violence to productive endeavors.

3. Reconciliation and social cohesion programs: Encourage initiatives that promote reconciliation, cultural exchange, and inter-tribal dialogue. Cultural festivals, inter-tribal sports events, and exchanges aimed at fostering mutual understanding and appreciation can rebuild trust and strengthen social cohesion.

IV. Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Processes:

1. Capacity building: Enhance the capacity of local justice systems, ensuring access to justice for both victims and perpetrators of tribal fights. Train local magistrates, lawyers, and law enforcement officers in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and customary law to ensure fair and culturally sensitive processes.

2. Restorative justice mechanisms: Incorporate restorative justice principles into legal frameworks to reconcile offenders and victims, reducing recidivism rates and promoting healing within affected communities.

3. Customary law integration: Seek ways to integrate customary law practices into the national legal system, ensuring recognition and enforcement of appropriate resolutions reached through traditional mechanisms. This will provide a sense of ownership and legitimacy to the dispute resolution process.

Conclusion:

Addressing tribal fight-related law and order problems in the Hela and Enga Provinces, as well as other Highlands provinces of Papua New Guinea, requires a multi-faceted and holistic approach. By promoting dialogue and mediation, strengthening law enforcement capabilities, fostering social and economic development, and reinforcing legal frameworks, the government can effectively address this pervasive challenge. Implementing these recommendations will contribute to the restoration of the rule of law, ensure the safety and well-being of communities, and facilitate sustainable development in the affected regions.

∆End!