Papua New Guinea: "Under the barrel of a gun" - Bougainville 1991 to 1993

Index Number: ASA 34/005/1993
Date Published: 19 November 1993
Categories: Asia And The Pacific, Papua New Guinea

This report examines the continuing human rights violations committed during the armed conflict between Papua New Guinea (PNG) government forces and the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA). It gives details of extrajudicial executions and other violations in the context of military operations, including examples of abuses by BRA members. It examines measures taken by the government and notes the failure of legal and constitutional measures. Further concerns include restrictions on independent human rights monitors, government statements on human rights, and the introduction of the new Internal Security Act. The role of the international community is discussed; the supply of military equipment by the Australian government and the question of Bouganvillean refugees in the Solomon Islands.