National Court
The National Court (established under s163 of the Constitution of Papua New Guinea) is the superior-level trial court in Papua New Guinea and the Supreme Court (established under s160) is the final court of appeal and the highest court in the country. Judges of the National Court form panels of the Supreme Court on an ad hoc basis to hear appeals from the National Court and administrative tribunals. Both the Supreme Court and the National Courts have an inherent power to make orders in the nature of prerogative writs and such other orders as are necessary to do justice in the circumstances of a particular case.
The National and Supreme Courts can, at the time of sentencing of a convicted offender, consider a range of non-custodial measures. In so doing, the Courts would take account of the rehabilitative needs of the offender, the protection of society and the interests of the victim(s). Non-custodial options include;
- Reprimand and warning
- Conditional discharge
- monetary penalties, such as fines
- confiscation or an expropriation order
- restitution to the victim or a compensation order
- suspended or deferred sentence
- probation and judicial supervision with or without orders for restitution or community work orders
- referral to a rehabilitation center with conditions
District Court, Goroka & Kainantu
PNG's judicial system consists of Village Courts, District Courts and the National Court which is the superior trial court. Magisterial Services (established by section 173(1) of Constitution of Papua New Guinea) administers the District Court system within PNG, and there are 57 District Court establishments across the nation staffed by 88 magistrates and more than 500 court support staff.
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The District Court's key functional jurisdictions include:
The District Court uses formal and informal approaches for settling grievances, particularly in the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Magistrates can also make orders for a community work order to be undertaken by a defendant who has been found guilty. Where mitigating factors outweigh the aggravating factors, the defendant may be placed on probation with conditions for community work and/or payment of compensation. |
Contact: Goroka District Court PO Box 447, Goroka. Ph: 532 1811, Fax: 532 3115 Kainantu Court House PO Box 252, Kainantu. Ph: 537 1049/1388, Fax: 537 1049 Okapa Court House Okapa |
Village Courts, Eastern Highlands Province
Village Courts are an essential part of PNG's formal court system. They are established under the Village Courts Act 1989 and the Village Court Regulations 1973. There are more than 1,500 Village Courts across the country, supported by over 15,000 officials, including 900 women. Each Village Court has 4-5 Village Magistrates (appointed by the Minister for Justice as judicial officers), 3-4 Peace Officers, and 1 Clerk. Over 90% of people living in PNG have access to a Village Court, which have the jurisdiction to settle local disputes and deal with minor crimes using customary conflict-resolution approaches wherever possible.
Village Courts are the largest provider of restorative justice services in PNG, and are authorised to do the following:
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Contact: Mr Ben Sapu Provincial Village Courts Officer Eastern Highlands Provincial Administration Law and Justice Division P.O. Box 880, Goroka Eastern Highlands Province Ph: 532 172 Facsimile: 5321722 |
Probation, Parole & Juvenile Justice Services, Goroka
CBC is an agency within the Department of Justice & Attorney General. CBC has offices in every province across PNG and it plays a central role in developing and implementing restorative justice programs throughout the country. It provides members of the community with access to community justice services which include the provision of non-custodial rehabilitation programs for both adult and juvenile offenders. This assists offenders to re-enter society as responsible, productive citizens.
CBC is responsible for:
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Contact: Senior Probation Officer Probation, Parole & Juvenile Justice Services Dept. Of Justice & Attorney General PO Box 956, Goroka, EHP Ph/Fax: 532 2346
The above contact address covers CBC office in Kainantu |
Provincial Administration & Dept. for Community Development, EHP
The Provincial Administrations across PNG have Community Development Branches, which provide services on behalf of the Department of Community Development. The Welfare Officers and Child Protection Officers employed by the Provincial Administration administer the provisions of a number of acts, including the Laukautim Pikinini Act, Deserted wife & Children Act, Marriage Act, National Youth Service Act, and National Council of Women Incorporation Act.
Provincial welfare, gender & child protection officers provide the following services to the public:
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Contact: The Principal Advisor Home Affairs & Youth Division PO Box 880, Goroka, EHP. Ph: 532 1037 |
Office of the Public Prosecutor, Goroka
The core function of the Office of the Public Prosecutor (OPP) is the prosecution of matters in the National Courts and criminal appeals in the Supreme Court across PNG. The Public Prosecutor is empowered under the Constitution to control the exercise and performance of the prosecution function of the State. As part of the conduct of prosecutions the OPP has contact with victims of crime.
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As part of its prosecution function the OPP provides an information and referral service to victims of crime whose matters are before the National and Supreme Courts. This involves:
The OPP also makes submissions on behalf of the State as to the appropriate penalties that ought to be imposed by the superior courts following a conviction. |
Contact: Office of the Public Prosecutor 3rd Floor, Yanepa Haus, McNicol St P.O. Box 977, Goroka, EHP Ph: 532 1814, 7100 2304 Fax: 532 1851 |
Correctional Services, Bihute & Bundaira, Eastern Highlands Province
Established under the Correctional Services Act, Papua New Guinea Correctional Services is the government agency responsible for the custody, confinement and rehabilitation of offenders and prisoners. It is also responsible for the effective administration of the agency. CS is responsible for operating correctional institutions across all provinces in PNG.
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CS provides the following rehabilitation programs in its correctional institutions:
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Contact: Correctional Services Head Office P.O. Box 6889, Boroko NCD Ph: 323 1855/323 1978 Fax: 323 0407 Bihute CIS Ph: 732 1505 Fax: 732 2179
Bundaira CIS Ph: 725 7124 Fax: 275 7126 |
Catholic Church, Eastern Highlands Province
The Catholic Church of Papua New Guinea is made up of 4 Archdioceses and 15 Dioceses in Vanimo, Altape, Wewak, Lae, Madang, Mt Hagen, Wabag, Mendi, Goroka, Kundiawa, Kavieng, Kimbe, Rabaul, Kerema, Daru, Aloutau, Berina, and Port Moresby. The church runs numerous programs across PNG (regional contact details can be obtained by ringing the Port Moresby numbers below)
The church programs include:
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Contact: Goroka Diocese PO Box 109, Goroka 532 1798 |
YWCA, Eastern Highlands Province
The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) is a Christian-based global network of women leading social and economic change in 125 countries worldwide. It advocates for peace, justice, health, human dignity, freedom and care of the environment, and has been at the forefront of raising the status of women since it was founded in 1894. In PNG, the YWCA is a membership organisation open to women and girls who wish to share their skills and time to help other women and girls to develop and grow in Spirit, Body and Mind and to become leaders in advocacy and action for social justice. The YWCA has a head office in Port Moresby with a number of branches across the nation.
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The YWCA has a number of core programs, including:
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Contact: Mrs Kila Amini, General Secretary Mrs Marie Balil, Programs Co- ordinator YWCA Port Moresby PO Box 1883, Boroko, NCD Ph: 325 6522 or 340 6927 Ms Angela Soso President, YWCA Goroka PO Box 636, Goroka, EHP Ph:532 2924 or 532 2867 Mrs Livie Warima HIV Response Project PO Box 1223, Goroka, EHP Ph: 7179 1314 |
Salvation Army, Eastern Highlands Province
The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian Church known for its extensive philanthropy and charity work. It is an international movement in over 122 counties, including PNG, where it was established in 1956. The Salvation Army runs numerous programs within PNG with the assistance of numerous volunteers. Its head office is in Port Moresby with a number of branches across the Country.
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The Salvation Army’s key program are:
▬ FSV, Lifeline, Family Support Centre, Haus Ruth City Mission, Police Victim Desk, PPO, PSO and National Court.
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Contact: Salvation Army Headquarter PO Box 1323, Boroko, NCD Ph: 325 5507/ 3255522 Fax: 325 3534 Mr Gini Kevin Territorial Coordinator & Juvenile Justice Officer, Ph: 325 5507/22/07 Fax: 325 3534 South Central Division Box 1323, Boroko, NCD Ph: 321 6000 Fax: 321 6008
North Eastern Division Box 343 Kainantu, EHP Ph:5371220 Fax: 5371482 North Coastal Division Box 667, Lae, Morobe Province Ph: 472 0905 Fax: 4720897 North West Division Box 365, Goroka EHP Ph: 532 1382 Fax: 5321218 South Eastern Division Box 49, Kwikila, Rigo Central Province Ph: 329 5008 Fax: 325 3534 Sepik Division Box 184, Wewak, ESP Ph/Fax 456 1642 |
Eastern Highlands Family Voice Inc.
EHFV is a national non-government organization totally dependent on private donors. It has 7 Board members, 8 paid staff and 600 plus trained volunteers.
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The EHFV provides:
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Contact: Ms. Naomi Yupae Executive Director Eastern Highlands Family Voice Inc: P.O. Box 1641, GOROKA, EHP Ph: (675) 532 3074/ 532 3084 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Location: Suite 15, Westpac Bank Building (Upstairs) Level 1, Goroka Town |
Eastern Highlands Provincial Council of Women
The Council's membership is made of Christian church women’s fellowships and community women’s groups of between 50 – 200 members each. The 9 major Christian churches in the province are members, and the Women in Agriculture group is also affiliated. It is estimated that the total membership is approximately 1,200 – 1,500 within the province. The EHPCW sees itself as the official voice of the women in the Eastern Highlands Province and its main programs relate to advocacy and awareness on women’s rights, health issues, agricultural activities, and political education. The Council aims to empower their members so that they are able to perform well in their roles as nominated members in the Provincial Government and LLG’s and as Village Court magistrates.
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The EHPCW activities include:
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Contact: Mrs. Julie Soso Akeke President EHP Council of Women (EHPCW) P O Box 350, GOROKA, EHP Editors note: Hon. Julie Soso MP. Is now Governor of Eastern Highlands. |
Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG, Eastern Highlands Province
The ELCPNG is a church-based organisation which runs skills empowerment programs to the community.
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These programs included:
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Contact: Mr. Kelly Karasi & Mr. Zure Wahasoka Evangelical Lutheran Church PNG Kintunu Parish Church, Bena Circuit P O Box 127, GOROKA, EHP Ph: 525 0749, 7226 6893/7219 7249 |
Helping Hand Youth Honey Producers Group
HHYHPG is a community based organisation and its source of funding is through Honey Bee projects and Honey Bee training programs. It has 6 full-time employed staff, 10 volunteers who are engaged on a casual basis and 800 trained members in honey bee production in Eastern Highlands and Simbu Provinces.
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The group provides:
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Contact: Ms Kelly Inae Helping Hand Youth Honey Producers Project PO Box 1617, Goroka, EHP Ph: (675) 525 0095 / 525 0097 Digicel: 7125 8799 / 7186 6376 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Location: Lopi-Kafana Fimito Road next to Hox Club, Lipiga, just outside Goroka town |
Kafe Women’s Association
The Kafe Women’s Association is a community based organisation which receives financial support from the Save the Children Fund, the Provincial Government, the NGO Promotion Global Fund and the Henganofi District Administration. It has 5 permanent staff (administration), 6 Board Members, 1000+ members and 150 volunteers.
The Kafe Women’s Association provides the following services:
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Contact: Ms Ericko Kukurefa President Kafe Womans Association PO Box 1521, Goroka, EHP Ph: 7210 7924 |
Mercy Works PNG (Goroka)
Mercy Works in an NGO founded in 2006 by the Sisters of Mercy Australia & PNG who are committed to reaching out to the poor and vulnerable within the community. It receives funding from individual donors and churches and works closely through a number of government and non-government organisations, including Police, CBC, Courts, Community Development, Correctional Services, Department of Education, Ombudsman's Office, Public Solicitor, hospitals, media, and human rights bodies.
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Mercy Works offers the following services:
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Contact: Sr. Mary-Anne Kolkia Director Mercy Works Sisters of Mercy PO Box 80, Goroka, EHP Ph: (675) 532 1588 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Location: YC Hall Goroka Town |
Community Care & Counselling Centre (Goroka)
CCCC is a NGO established in 2012 for the purpose of addressing social, economic, and law & order issues in the community. The centre provides counselling, training and placement of young people into worthwhile roles.
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The centre offers the following services:
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Contact: Ms Sabina Luvavo Project Co-ordinator PO Box 1182, Goroka, EHP Ph: (675) 535 0411 Fax: 532 3766 |
PEACE Foundation Melanesia
Established in 1989, the PFM's vision is to promote traditional Melanesian restorative justice systems and processes to build peace and harmony in PNG communities. The core business of the PFM is to provide community based conflict resolution training through the delivery of its Community Justice Training Package. The Foundation is a non-government organisation (NGO) which is governed by a Board of Governor drawn from the Public and Private Sectors and the Community.
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The PFM provides a range of programs and activities including:
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Contact: Mr James Laki Executive Director PO Box 1272, Port Moreby, NCD Level 2, Monian Haus, Nita Street, Boroko, NCD Ph: 325 8076/77 or Ph: 325 8091 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Seka Upa Coordinator EH Peace Foundation Melanesia Inc. P O Box 1160, Goroka, EHP |
Highlands Vanilla Project, Goroka
The Highlands Vanilla Project is a NGO established in 2001. It is a capacity-building organisation mainly involved in training vanilla and coffee farmers in cultivating and curing of vanilla, and in the use of intercropping methods. The NGO has a MOU with the PNG Spice Industry Board to provide extension services to farmers in PNG. It aims to create employment opportunities at community levels in order to address socio-economic problems.
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The Highlands Vanilla Project provides communities and farmers with:
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Contact: Mr Mark Gozapao Project Manager PO Box 1182, Goroka, EHP Ph/fax 532 3766 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Unggai Law & Justice Information Centre
Community Based Training Organisation working to promote peace and law and order in the community
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Unggai Law and Justice Information Centre:
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Contact: Seka Upa President Unggai Law & Justice Information Centre PO Box 1160, Goroka, EHP |
Caritas Papua New Guinea – Goroka Catholic Diocese
Caritas PNG is an agency of the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) of PNG & Solomon Islands. They promote Integral Human Development of the grassroots citizens of PNG.The mission of Caritas PNG is to take active role in social justice, peace, ecology, and human development issues as part of the pastoral mission of the Church, promote Catholic Social Teaching, address injustice, inequalities, poverty and dependency which undermine human dignity, and be a voice for the poor and marginalized to build a better PNG.
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It has operates through main goals: Integral Human Development (IHD), Disaster & Relief Management, Helping the Poor and Marginalized, Research & Advocacy, Child Protection, Gender Equality, Ecological Stewardship & Care of God’s Creation, Democratic Governance.
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Contact: Fr.Valentine Gryk,SVD – Diocesan Caritas Coordinator Goroka Catholic Diocese P O Box 109, Goroka, EHP Ph: 532 1798 Fax: 532 1799 Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
National Youth Development Authority – Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province
The National Youth Development Authority is a government agency established to provide policy directives for the youth of PNG. It provides a framework for planning and program development for all agencies and organisations involved in youth development work. Inclusive in its policy area for stakeholders to develop and implement programs is Law Order and Justice with the objectives to promote, maintain safety, security and peace in communities.
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Contact: Mrs Siviri Lalave Advisor Community Development P.O.Box 584,GOROKA,EHP Ph:5323033 Fax:5321842 Mobile:72350987 Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Mr Jonathan Enoch Community Development Officer P.O.Box 584,GOROKA,EHP Ph:5323033 Fax:5321842 Mobile:79347507 Mr Terence Holle HRD Manager P.O.Box 584,GOROKA,EHP Ph:5323033 Fax:5321842 |