THE Baruni settlement eviction is not just about crime and land—it is about human rights, governance, and the dignity of Papua New Guineans. Baruni eviction has raised serious concerns about human rights violations, police misconduct, and governance failures. While addressing criminal activities is necessary, law enforcement must operate within the legal framework, ensuring justice does not come at the cost of innocent families losing their homes and displaced without care.
Key concerns:
Evictions must comply with Section 53 of the PNG Constitution, which protects against unlawful property deprivation.
The Land Act 1996 mandates proper legal procedures, including fair notice and relocation plans.
International treaties caution against evictions that cause homelessness and social unrest.
Evictions must be conducted legally with notice, relocation plans, and in humane execution.
Police must be well prepared to avoid misconduct during evictions, and if in breach, be subject to investigations and offenders prosecuted.
Urban planning and affordable housing must be prioritized over forced removals by the City Authority.
Customary land settlements need to be sensitively addressed with the Motu Koita Assembly landowners and City Authority proactively engaged to find solutions
We call upon the government to:
Investigate and hold accountable those responsible for illegal eviction actions.
Develop a national housing strategy that prevents the rise of informal settlements.
Ensure justice for both the murder victim and displaced families through lawful interventions.
This is a defining moment for Papua New Guinea—our response will determine whether we uphold the rule of law, human dignity, and long-term urban development or continue on a path of reactionary, forceful, and unjust removals.
The people of Port Moresby and PNG deserve better.
CALL FOR ACTION:
We urge the National Government, NCD authorities, and law enforcement agencies
to:
1. Conduct an Independent Investigation
A Commission of Inquiry (Ombudsman, Human Rights Watch, Public Solicitor’s Office) must probe the eviction and hold those responsible accountable.
2. Enforce Legal and Policy Reforms
Amend the Land Act 1996 to require minimum notice periods and relocation plans before any eviction.
Strengthen police oversight to prevent misconduct during evictions.
3. Ensure Justice for the Murder Victim
Expedite prosecution of those responsible while ensuring that law enforcement does not criminalize entire communities.
4. Implement Humanitarian Response & Resettlement Plans
Provide emergency shelter, food, and medical aid for displaced families.
Partner with State, NGOs and churches for long-term resettlement model.
This eviction is a wake-up call for the government to implement sustainable urban planning and housing reforms rather than resorting to forced removals.
The situation gives rise for a creative approach to an urban setting problem addressed in a rural setting development strategy (State Farming)
We stand with the affected families and demand justice, accountability, and humane solutions for all Papua New Guineans.
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PROPOSED SOLUTIONS TO PREVENT FUTURE FORCED EVICTIONS IN PORT MORESBY
To address illegal forced evictions and the growth of informal settlements, long-term solutions must be prioritized:
1. Stronger Legal Protections for Evictions
Enforce court-approved eviction procedures that include proper notice and relocation plans.
Establish a Housing Tribunal to mediate disputes before eviction occurs.
2. Affordable Housing & Urban Resettlement Strategy
Develop low-cost housing projects in designated areas to accommodate families displaced from informal settlements.
Provide land titles and structured housing support for long-term settlers.
3. Settlement Upgrades & Land Tenure Reforms
Convert informal settlements into regulated townships with basic services and infrastructure.
Allow long-term settlers to purchase land under government-backed financing schemes.
4. Improved Community Policing & Crime Prevention
Strengthen neighborhood policing to prevent crime without the need for mass evictions.
Train police officers on lawful eviction procedures and human rights protection.
Establish a specialized police unit to head and deal with evictions.
5. National Housing & Land Commission (NHLC)
Create a dedicated government agency to oversee housing development, land allocation, and eviction oversight.
Land Commission to determine land ownership status with the City Authority, Motu Koita Assembly and Landowners, be it customary or State, prior to any development on the land taking place.
6. Public-Private Partnerships for Housing
Engage corporate investors in building affordable housing instead of high-end real
estate developments.
By implementing these measures, Port Moresby can transition toward a planned, inclusive, and legally compliant housing system.
