The Acting Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea, Hon. Justice Panuel Mogish, CSM, officially opened the two-day Gender-Based Violence Forum for PNG Judges at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby on 23 April 2026. The forum, facilitated by Justice Berrigan, brought together members of the judiciary to deliberate on strengthening the judicial response to gender-based violence (GBV).

In his opening remarks, Justice Mogish acknowledged the Motu Koitabu people as the traditional custodians of Port Moresby and emphasized the importance of respecting their heritage. He described the forum as a collective opportunity for the judiciary to reflect on and strengthen its judicial response to gender-based violence. He stressed that judges, through the proper exercise of their judicial functions, uphold the rule of law, ensure fairness in proceedings, and provide legal protection to vulnerable persons. The procedural, structural, and social barriers may hinder access to justice, which courts must consider when managing cases in accordance with the law.

Over the course of the two-day forum, discussions focused on strengthening judicial expertise, improving case management, and developing training programs to ensure sensitive and efficient responses. The judiciary also considered its role in identifying legal and procedural challenges encountered by the courts, which may inform future discussions on law reform.

Justice Mogish highlighted that the forum’s judicial discussions were informed by the National GBV Strategy 2026-2035, insofar as it provides contextual guidance relevant to judicial training, case management, and trauma-informed court processes. He emphasized that judicial outreach, within appropriate bounds, may assist in improving public understanding of the law and court processes.

He commended Justice Berrigan for her leadership and urged participants to use the forum as a turning point in the judiciary’s response to GBV.

The Hon. Acting Chief Justice concluded by reaffirming the judiciary’s dedication to justice, integrity, and the faithful discharge of its constitutional role in accordance with the law.