PRESENTATION TO THE SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT OF THE FINAL REPORT ON THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE POLICE SHOOTINGS AT DEMONSTRATING UPNG STUDENTS ON 8 JUNE 2016
The Ombudsman Commission has presented to the Speaker of Parliament, its Final Report on the Investigation into Police shootings at demonstrating UPNG students on 8 June 2016.
The investigation, initiated by the Ombudsman Commission, went beyond a mere assessment of the actions of the Police on that day. Adopting a comprehensive approach, the investigation analyzed the entire sequence of events from early April 2016, considering the involvement of various State actors to understand the cause and effect leading to the climax at the UPNG Circuit along Waigani Drive on 8 June 2016.
The primary focus of the Commission’s investigation was to review existing legislation, policies, and practices governing the responses of key State actors, including the UPNG, Electoral Commission, NCO Peace and Good Order Committee, and the Police, to public demonstrations and civil disobedience. The objective was to identify best practices that could inform the State’s response to future public demonstrations.
This is the final report of the Commission’s investigation into the above matter and has today been presented to the Speaker of Parliament for tabling.
The Speaker is required under Section 23(1) (d) of the Organic Law on the Ombudsman Commission to present the report to the Parliament within eight sitting days of the Parliament.
The Ombudsman Commission in exercising its discretion to publish this Report under Section 23 of the Organic Law on the Ombudsman Commission, considers that publication of this Report is in the public interest because its findings and recommendations have application to a large number of Government Agencies, and that the matters investigated have considerable media interest and public debate.
The Ombudsman Commission in publishing this Final Report informs all stakeholders that it is dedicated to serving the people and government of Papua New Guinea as an independent institution that promotes good governance and leadership in a fair and impartial manner.
All queries relating to the availability of the report to the public should be directed to the Speaker of Parliament.
APPROVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION
Section 23(1)(d) of the Organic Law on the Ombudsman Commission has been referred to in this letter and it is restated below
(1) The Commission may, in its discretion, publish the results of any investigation carried out by it by forwarding a copy of its conclusions, recommendations and suggestions to –
(d) the Speaker, who shall present it to the Parliament within eight sitting days of the Parliament.