Government launches Papua New Guinea’s first National Internally Displaced Persons Policy
The Government of Papua New Guinea has officially launched the country’s first National Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Policy, marking a historic milestone in strengthening national efforts to protect and support citizens affected by disasters, conflict, climate change and development-related displacement.
Papua New Guinea continues to face a wide range of complex challenges linked to natural hazards, social unrest, environmental pressures, and large-scale development activities. While global discourse increasingly focuses on emerging issues such as climate change and artificial intelligence, these realities remain immediate and deeply felt within communities across the country.
In response, the Government has taken decisive policy and legislative action to address both the root causes and consequences of internal displacement.
The Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) Hon. Soroi Marepo Eoe, CMG, MP during the launching on Friday 27th February, 2026 stressed that the National IDP Policy reflects the Government’s strong commitment to safeguarding the rights and improving the short- and long-term socio-economic well-being of internally displaced persons.
“It establishes a comprehensive and solutions-oriented framework that prioritizes prevention, coordinated response and sustainable recovery, ensuring affected individuals and communities can rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience,” Minister Eoe said.
Hon. Soroi highlighted that Papua New Guinea’s diverse geography and cultural landscape present inherent service delivery challenges, which are further intensified by the escalating impacts of climate change, rising social disorder and socio-economic pressures.
Minister Eoe elaborate that the new policy addresses these realities through clear strategies designed to strengthen preparedness, enhance coordination among stakeholders and deliver practical and lasting solutions for displaced populations.
The policy serves three primary purposes:
- To provide strategic guidance for meeting the immediate and basic needs of people displaced by natural hazards, climate change, conflict and development activities. To outline long-term sustainable solutions for relocation, rehabilitation and restoration of livelihoods.
- To foster collaboration between government agencies, partners and stakeholders to prevent displacement, deliver humanitarian assistance and secure durable solutions.
- Importantly, the policy clearly defines roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to increased funding and sustained implementation support.
The Government acknowledges and commends the tireless efforts of the responsible Ministry and Department in swiftly delivering this landmark framework. Appreciation is also extended to all partners and contributors who played a role in shaping the policy and ensuring it reflects both international best practices and the unique national context.
Special recognition is given to the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations system for their strategic and technical support throughout the policy’s development.
Minister Eoe said their partnership has been instrumental in producing a comprehensive and forward-looking framework that aligns with the Government’s national vision and priorities.
The National IDP Policy stands as a critical step forward in advancing the Government’s “Take Back PNG” vision and underscores its dedication to protecting vulnerable citizens while promoting inclusive national development across Papua New Guinea.
