On 5 August 2024, the Ombudsman Commission became aware of a concern raised by the head of an international organisation against several member nations, including Papua New Guinea (PNG). The matter raised was in relation to unpaid accumulated debts owed by several member nations to an international organisation.
It was alleged that PNG had not paid its outstanding membership subscriptions for various international and regional organisations including the concerned international organisation. The prolonged delay in payments had raised serious queries on the integrity and credibility of PNG in upholding and respecting its international commitments and obligations.
Accordingly, the compounding arrears for the membership subscriptions were required to be settled immediately and PNG had not paid its membership contributions for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. These included arrears that were carried forward and rental arrears that resulted in an aggregate arrears of over K19 million.
The Commission commenced necessary inquiries with relevant government departments and established that the payment of membership subscriptions for the various international organizations were catered for in the government budget and allocated annually. The release and payment of these funds enter multiple processes with various government authorities.
As a result of the Commission’s intervention, the respective government authorities ensured appropriate actions were taken to address the matter.
On 12 August 2024, a Warrant Authority for over K20.8 million was released by the responsible government department. Subsequently, the necessary cheques were processed and payments were remitted by the responsible government authorities to the respective bank accounts of each international organization.
This matter was a success after the Ombudsman Commission’s intervention and it will continue to collaborate and work with governmental bodies in the pursuit of its mission to promote good governance and quality leadership in Papua New Guinea and to ensure that leaders do not endanger or diminish the respect for and confidence in the integrity of government in Papua New Guinea.