Governor for NCD and Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Children and Youth, Powes Parkop, has urged stronger government leadership and accountability in protecting Papua New Guinea’s children and young people.
Governor Parkop made the call following serious concerns raised during the Committee’s first-ever public inquiry held on Tuesday, 14 and Wednesday, 15 October 2025.
The inquiry exposed major gaps in child protection services, revealing that the National Office of Child and Family Services (NOCFS) has been largely non-functional for the past decade.
“The government must be at the frontline providing the basic services for our children and the public at large. NGOs are there to complement, not replace, the role of the state.”
The inquiry heard that the lack of coordination and effective leadership from NOCFS has left many children across the country vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Parkop noted that while Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) such as ChildFund PNG have stepped in to fill the gap, the government must reclaim its core responsibility for child welfare.
ChildFund PNG highlighted its 1-Tok Kaunselim Helpim Lain (7150 8000) — the country’s only 24-hour, toll-free national service for survivors of gender-based violence and child abuse — which has received over 87,000 calls since 2015.
The organization noted, however, that this essential service operates mainly through donor support, particularly from the Government of New Zealand.
Governor Parkop commended ChildFund PNG for its contribution but reaffirmed that the NOCFS must lead and coordinate nationwide child protection efforts.
The Committee will finalize recommendations for Parliament to ensure child welfare becomes a top national priority.
During the inquiry, the Committee also received a comprehensive submission from the Simbu Provincial Government, led by Governor Noah Kool MP, and heard presentations from the Departments of Health, Community Development, Education, and Treasury.
However, the Western Highlands, Enga, and Hela Provincial Governments failed to appear despite being invited.
Governor Parkop warned that if provincial governments and state agencies continue to ignore future summons, the Committee will be compelled to enforce attendance through parliamentary powers.
He emphasized that the establishment of the Committee reflects Parliament’s recognition that more investment is needed in the welfare and development of children and youth.
“For too long, we have neglected the foundation of our future. This Committee will ensure that every responsible department and agency plays its role in giving the children of Papua New Guinea a strong foundation for a better future.”
