By GINNAH MINI
The Papua New Guinea Law Society (PNGLS) has called on lawyers to uphold the highest ethical standards and to actively defend the Constitution, noting that the profession plays a central role in shaping legislation and safeguarding democratic systems.
Speaking at the Rule of Law March and Forum at Apec Haus, Port Moresby, PNGLS President Hubert Namani emphasized that the legal profession must stand united in protecting the Constitution and ensuring that democratic institutions remain accountable and effective.
“Today we stand together not just as lawyers but as custodians of the Constitution and defenders of the rule of law in PNG,” said Namani.
“We are not spectators. We are defenders of justice, guardians of the Constitution, and we must act when we see the risks to the rule of law.”
Namani stated that Constitution without enforcement is just a document: Accountability delayed is accountability denied, and accountability denied is injustice.
Namani reaffirmed the profession’s commitment to the future of PNG.
“As we enter the next 50 years of our independence, the rule of law must remain the foundation of our nation. If we ail to defend it, we risk losing everything it was built to protect.”
The Rule of Law March by PNGLS has begun two years ago with the vision that the legal profession must stand publicly and collectively for the rule of law.
Grand Chief, Sir John Momis in his keynote message said that the rule of law is something that everyone must abide by and promote-guided by the national goals and directive principal of the constitution.
The Rule of Law March and Forum brought together members of the legal profession, government, and stakeholders to reflect on the state of democracy, constitutional governance, and the legal system in PNG.
The lawyers marched this morning starting at the MRDC Haus to Apec Haus in promoting high ethical standards in the legal profession and upholding the rule of law while protecting the people.