The Papua New Guinea Centre for Judicial Excellence (PNGCJE) has conducted its sixth and final awareness on “Basic Rights and Fundamentals of Justice” at the Pacific Adventist University in Port Moresby.

The program was held at the Koiari Park English Church in PAU on August 28, 2021, which saw nearly 200 people including church members, primary and high school students, and the PAU students and staff.

The highlight of the program was a special interview with the Chief Justice Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika, who was interviewed by PNGCJE Research and Editorial Assistant Mr. Gideon Kindiwa. The Chief Justice answered questions on basic rights and fundamentals of justice, function of the courts, challenges the courts face, and also talked about his personal life journey and experiences.

“Rights are something you’re born with. As a human being, you have rights. Some rights such as qualified rights may only apply to citizens of a nation, but basic human rights and fundamental rights apply to everyone,” says the Chief Justice.

Other presentations included introduction from PNGCJE Executive Director Dr. John Carey, Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) presentation from PNGCJE Research and Publications Manager Ms. Debbie Laudiwana, panel discussion with PNGCJE Deputy Executive Director Mr. Sam Kaipu, Ms. Stacey Levakia-Wali, and Ms. Laudiwana, and a question-and-answer session with all the panelists.

The audience was fully engaged in the interactive discussions as many questions and comments were raised.

The PAU Church and the Academic community were all grateful for the initiative taken by the PNGCJE and PJSI to run the program.

The Chief Justice Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika being interviewed on stage by PNGCJE Research and Editorial Assistant Mr. Gideon Kindiwa