07 August 2013

Improving access to justice for the people of southern Bougainville

The people of southern Bougainville will have better access to justice services with the opening of a new Australian-funded courthouse in Buin today.

Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President, the Hon Chief Dr John Momis, and AusAID Bougainville Representative Deo Mwesigye – attending on behalf of Head of Australian Aid in PNG Stuart Schaefer – officially declared the building open.

Senior representatives of the National Judiciary Service, ABG, National Parliament, Bougainville Administration, Bougainville Police Service, other high-ranking law and justice sector officials attended the event.

Mr Schaefer said the opening signifies another success for the law and justice sector in Bougainville.

“It is an important and powerful symbol of what is possible when dedicated people and a community share a commitment to peace and to the delivery of law and order services,” Mr Schaefer said.

The high cost of travelling to Buka meant justice was previously unaffordable for many people around Buin.

“This courthouse grew from the dedicated efforts of Justice Peter Toliken, authorities and the community to ensure that the people of Buin and southern Bougainville had access to justice before there were any facilities,” Mr Schaefer said.

As the Magistrate in late 2009, Justice Toliken held the first District Court sessions under a tarpaulin and sessions continued in a “bush material” court house built with Australia’s help. The Bougainville Police, Community Auxillary Police and the Village Courts supported the provision of the services.

“It is from these very humble beginnings that the construction of this new permanent courthouse was made possible,” Mr Schaefer said.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government and Australia recognised the importance for victims of crime and for the stability of communities to have permanent justice services close to the people.

The people and community of Buin made land available to expedite the construction of the new permanent courthouse with Australian funding in 2012 and 2013.

“This courthouse means victims and offenders will have much greater access to justice. This is particularly true for women and children and other vulnerable members of society for whom protection of the law is required,” Mr Schaefer said.

“The rule of law and the justice system is fundamental to the economic and social development of Bougainville.

“Law and order is vital in allowing people to feel free to conduct their daily lives without fear – to allow people to go to the market, run their businesses, take their children to school and to the clinic.”

The courthouse will be open daily and Interim Protection Orders will be readily available to women and others who need protection from violence. People will be able to register cases daily. Timely resolution of disputes will reduce the impact of conflict.

Australia’s support to rebuild law and justice services in Bougainville includes recent renovations of the Buka Police Station; construction of the courthouse in Buka and a temporary courthouse in Arawa; housing for law and justice service staff; and a training centre providing joint training for the first time between the Bougainville Police Service and members of the Community Auxiliary Police.