CONFIDENTIAL
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Report by British High Commission, Port Moresby
Right No.
(i)
There is no imprisonment without the intention to bring to trial. Detention in custody is limited to cases on remand, the normal maximum for which would be six months, subject to periodic review by a magistrate, the worst case they had was for 12 months.
Comment by South West Pacific Department
This seems a little severe. We would suggest a rating of 1.
(ii) There is no torture within the admin-
istrative or judicial system.
Rating suggested by Post
2
о
(iii)
No slavery exists.
о
(iv)
There are no restrictions, except any such as may be applied under the terms of the Public Order Act. Its provisions have been applied twice in recent years but both occasions related to restriction on freedom of assembly in times of political disturbance. They were not directed at freedom of expression.
1
(v) The judiciary is totally independent.
(vi) The trade unions are totally independent.
(vii) There are no restriction on emigration
except the requirement under taxation law that a person is required to discharge his tax obligation before leaving the country.
Comment by South West Pacific Department
We think the rating should be zero.
CONFIDENTIAL
О
1-2
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Private notes are available after approval.