The Regional Member for Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Peter Tsiamalili Jr., has called on the National Government to establish a national trauma healing program to address the lasting emotional and psychological scars of the Bougainville Crisis.
Speaking in Parliament this week, Mr Tsiamalili said that while the Bougainville Peace Agreement restored peace and paved the way for the establishment of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, many people affected by the conflict continue to live with unresolved trauma.
He said the impact of the crisis remains deeply felt across communities in Bougainville and throughout Papua New Guinea.
Women and children who endured years of hardship during the conflict continue to bear emotional scars, while members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary who served during the crisis as well as their families are also still living with the consequences of that period.
“As a nation committed to lasting peace and unity, we must recognise that reconciliation requires more than a political settlement,” Mr Tsiamalili said.
“It requires healing, restoration and investment in the future of our people.”
Mr Tsiamalili proposed that the government establish a National Bougainville Trauma Healing and Resilience Program to support communities affected by the conflict, including former combatants, civilians and security personnel.
At the same time, he also called for greater investment in the future of Bougainville through education and human capital development.
The Bougainville leader proposed that the National Government allocate a quota of 1,000 Bougainville students each year to study in universities, teachers’ colleges, nursing colleges and Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions across the country.
He said over the next decade, such an initiative could produce 10,000 trained Bougainvillean professionals, including teachers, doctors, engineers, administrators and technicians who can help strengthen governance and improve essential services in the region.
Mr Tsiamalili said the Bougainville crisis remains one of the most difficult chapters in the nation’s history.
“The peace that followed was a testament to the courage and resilience of our people,” he said.