Official highlights issues with addressing gender-based violence

The National National

THERE is a lack of coordination and ownership over gender-based violence (GBV) issues and remedial actions, Prime Minister and National Executive Council (PMNEC) secretary Ivan Pomaleu says. “There is also too much reliance on donors when responding to GBV issues and cases,” he told the two-day parliamentary inquiry into GBV in Port Moresby recently. Chairman Charles Abel and deputy chairman Allan Bird then asked Pomaleu who should be responsible. Pomaleu said it should be the Community Development, Youth and Religion Ministry but he was now hearing that perhaps a GBV secretariat could be placed under PMNEC instead of the department to demonstrate the seriousness of the Government’s commitment and improve coordination (though he was yet to be consulted on the matter). Abel, who is Alotau MP, wrapped up the inquiry by asking Pomaleu for firm commitments, including:

  • WILL a GBV secretariat be set up and placed under the PMNEC to ensure high level commitment;
  • WILL proper budgets be given to GBV – at least K10 million with half for GBV work nationwide and provincially and half for justice bodies; and,
  • WILL the Government require strong GBV internal policies within the public service, including standing down people accused of GBV?