by Nathalie Hayu – Port Moresby
The Papua New Guinea Chapter of Transparency International began its operations on this day in 1997.
Today, TIPNG marked 21 years of anti-corruption advocacy, by outlining its three key campaigns for this year.
TIPNG Chairman, Lawrence Stephens, speaking at the 21-year commemorations, acknowledged the contribution of past and present members of this organisation.
“We are grateful to the members, partners, supporters and all who have contributed towards the work of Transparency International here in PNG.
“In commemorating our 21st anniversary, we are launching three campaigns aimed at enhancing the continued demand for integrity in public and private dealings,” Stephens said.
TIPNG’s three campaigns are:
- Advocacy on the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)
This campaign aims to establish a partnership with the Department of Attorney General to advocate and to enable its legislation in order for it to be enacted by parliament. This is actually the government’s commitment to the United Nations (UN) conventions against corruption and that of the nation’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy.
- National Identity (NID) Project
Launched in the year 2014, the PNG NID card project was to ensure all PNG citizens use the NID cards as universal identification in their daily basis, in terms of work, travel, etc.
- Freedom of information/Expression
This is a campaign whereby TIPNG will be drafting a legislation to make sure PNG citizens have access to information under the National Constitution of section 51.
Overall, Transparency International PNG seeks to work with organisations, its partners, supporters and all citizens of PNG to eradicate corruption in all its forms.