Deep Dive Study: Diversion and Alternative Sentencing of Children in Conflict with the Law in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Kirsten Anderson, Catherine Burke, and Ramyah Harrichandiran
November 2024
This report contains key findings from a deep dive study on the use of diversion and alternative sentencing
of children in conflict with the law in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The study was commissioned and led
by the National Juvenile Justice Committee (NJJC) with the support of UNICEF. The research aimed to
assess the use of diversion and alternative measures for children in conflict with the law in PNG and to
explore the extent to which diversion is offered across the country, what those measures consist of and
the effectiveness of such efforts. The purpose of the study was to provide specific recommendations
for the Government of PNG on the development of laws, policies, capacities and quality alternatives
to judicial proceedings and deprivation of liberty and practical guidance to implementers of diversion
programmes.
