Organisations set their own priorities
Weeks earlier, the Papua New Guinea Assembly of Disabled Persons held its first annual general meeting in seven years and worked on a five-year strategic plan. Co-chair Jacqueline Boga Garoau prioritised provincial disability committees and resources for advocacy. Representatives from provincial organisations took part in the discussions. [3]
Provincial advocates seek practical support
Helen Royal, representing an organisation in East New Britain, described using the gathering to plan activities with her provincial disability desk officer. “This is a way forward for me to do it myself,” she said. The meeting connected national representation with work that local advocates intended to organise. [3]
Implementation must reach everyday services
On 1 August, the UN Resident Coordinator welcomed the law and identified implementation priorities: stronger rights-based policy, support for disabled people’s organisations, accessible services and better data. The statement highlighted transport, employment and the particular barriers facing women and girls, putting everyday access at the centre of the next steps. [2]