CALL: PNG NEEDS TOUGH LAWS

A COMMUNITY rights awareness workshop started yesterday with a call
for tougher laws to address issues of polygamy, drug abuse,
unemployment, child abuse and domestic violence.

Participant Victoria Valacie Gaigo spoke of the need to address among
others the "home-brew" alcohol which, she said, was a growing problem
among youths.

Ms Valacie, who lives on Tatana Island near Port Moresby, said she
knew two boys who had died from drinking alcohol they brewed at home.

The workshop, being held in Port Moresby, is attended by about 40
people representing various organisations including village court
magistrates. It is organised and sponsored by the Individual Community
Rights Advocacy Forum. Co-ordinator of the workshop Lady Hilan Los
said similar workshops had been held in provincial centres in the past
year which had heard the same problems.

She said it showed that the common problems facing the country needed
to be treated seriously and addressed, which included polygamy,
domestic violence and unemployment.

She said many victims of domestic violence and child abuse were not
aware of their rights and did not know how to get help and the
workshop was also organised with that in mind. She said not everyone
could be asked to go to the workshop but it was hoped the participants
would impart what they learnt to members of their communities so they
too were made aware of their rights. "It is also hoped that the
village magistrates and police staff will enforce laws on domestic
violence and child abuse after the workshop if they are not doing so.

"Legal is not the only means through which they can solve their
problems so we are trying to show them other ways such as using
conflict resolution skills.''

She said that conflict resolution experts from the Melanesian
Foundation had been asked to attend the session on conflict resolution
and give some insights.

President of the National Capital District Council of Women, Cathy
Tani, in her opening address, described the workshop as an eye opener
for most participants.

Other topics to be covered include family law, court procedures,
disabled people's rights, civil registry and HIV/AIDS.