Police have poor record upholding human rights, says Baki

Police Commissioner Gari Baki says PNG police have a poor record in human rights when it comes to enforcing law and order.
“As police officers, our fundamental role is to protect lives and properties. We are supposed to be upholding human rights. Unfortunately, we don’t seem to be doing that. In fact, we are among the worst offenders of humans rights,” Baki said.
“According to world report, PNG police used excessive force to enforce law and order. We need to address this issue in this workshop.”
Baki spoke when officiating at a human rights workshop for provincial police commanders in the Central yesterday.
The three-day workshop is at Dixie Lodge, 17—Mile, and is facilitated by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Meanwhile, human rights adviser and a workshop facilitator Kedar Poudya said law and order were necessary for development to take place.
“Without the rule of law, what development are we talking about? What economy activities are we talking about? If there is no security , then how will you promote economy”?
Poudya, an expatriate, gave an example of his experiences in the breakdown of law and order in the country which discouraged him from contributing to the local economy.
“I always want to go to the local market to buy vegetables and support local women there .But I can’t go there .so I’m bound to go to the super market and buy vegetables there and promote other investors. So this is a irony. And is a challenge.”