On August 1, 2002, the PNG government approved an amnesty from prosecution for war crimes committed during the bloody 13-year secessionist struggle in Bougainville, where up to 15,000 people died. Exceptions to the amnesty were made for crimes related to infanticide and sexual offenses.1
Amnesty – 2001
The PNG Government Attorney General sought an opinion from the Supreme Court on whether amnesty and/or pardon could be granted under the constitution to persons in the commission of offences in the Bougainville crisis.2
Human Rights – 2010
No further developments observed.
Human Rights – 2009
No further developments observed.
Human Rights – 2008
No further developments observed.
Human Rights – 2007
No further developments observed.
Human Rights – 2006
No further developments observed.
Human Rights – 2005
No further developments observed.
Human Rights – 2005
No further developments observed.
Human Rights – 2004
On 14 January 2004, the National Government handed over the constitution to the Autonomous Bougainville Government in Arawa.3 The new Autonomous Bougainville constitution has specific provision on human rights. Part 14 of the constitution, (Article 178-186), has different provisions related to human rights, including entitlement to reasonable damages for an individual’s human rights (Article 184). Bougainville citizens have additional human rights that go beyond those rights granted to their fellow citizens under the Papua New Guinea constitution.