Civil groups push for inclusion

 THE Civil Society Organisation in PNG cannot speak on issues in the country yet because it has no mandate to do so, the organisation’s interim president, Susan Setae says.

Setae said that was a major setback for many civil society groups in the country who were eager to serve in their respective sectors.

She said the interim committee was trying to revive itself since getting its status in 2010 to see how the organisation could function in terms of getting a representation at regional and international forums.

“Because the Civil Society Organisation of PNG is still in its interim status, we have not had a representation since we established. 

“We are yet to complete processes of consultation to gauge views from NGOs and CSOs to agree on who will represent us under an umbrella body at international and region forums,” Setae said.

She said civil society groups were working in isolation and was calling on all groups to come together and hold a proper election for office bearers and have a permanent body in place.

Backing the call by Pacific Islands Association of non-government organisations (PIANGO) last week, Setae said home-grown CSOs were doing their work but were not recognised by the government, development partners and businesses in the country.

Executive director of PIANGO, Emele Duituturaga last week said PNG CSOs did not have a voice at regional and international levels and needed to organise themselves.