The PNG Centre for Judicial Excellence (PNGCJE) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the European Union delivered a training workshop aimed at raising awareness of the harmful impact of corruption on human rights and the critical responsibility of court staff in safeguarding judicial integrity.

The training was attended by Court officers in Port Moresby and designed to strengthen their role in preventing and addressing corruption, while upholding human rights in legal proceedings.

The workshop was delivered under the Preventing and Countering Corruption in Papua New Guinea Project (PNG Anti-Corruption Project), funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by the UNDP and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This initiative is part of the broader EU-PNG Partnership for Good Governance Programme.

International anti-corruption expert and UNDP Consultant, Mr. Drago Kos guided participants through key topics including:

· The concept of human rights vs. corruption

· The impact of corruption on human rights

· The importance of protecting rights within anti-corruption efforts

· Human rights in legal proceedings

· Aligning legal processes with the dual goals of justice and anti-corruption

Additional input was provided by representative Ms. Belinda Hughes, Executive Director of Legal at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), who presented the Commission’s mandate and core legislation.

The workshop featured interactive presentations, case studies, group discussions, and practical exercises and builds on previous sessions held in 2024, continuing the PNG Anti-Corruption Project’s work with the judiciary, lawyers, and court officials.

Ms. Susie Vaieke, Program Officer at the Pacific Centre for Judicial Excellence, noted that the workshop helped court officers recognize the importance of aligning administrative and procedural duties with principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.

“Overall, the feedback indicates that the workshop successfully met its objectives of raising awareness about the impact of corruption on human rights and reinforcing the responsibility of court staff in safeguarding judicial integrity,” she said.

The aim of the workshop was to ensure participants develop a much deeper understanding of the legal nature of corruption and human rights, the harm caused by corruption, and practical strategies to ensure there is a balance between combating corruption and protecting the rights of all legal stakeholders.