Abstract:

Papua New Guinea faces significant challenges in supporting its estimated one million citizens with disabilities, representing 10-15% of the population. Despite progressive policy commitments, including the National Policy on Disability 2015-2025 and ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2013, substantial gaps persist between policy intentions and lived realities for persons with disabilities (PWDs). This paper examines the current state of disability support in PNG through a comprehensive literature review and policy analysis, identifying key barriers and emerging opportunities for improvement.

This research was undertaken by Jerry Hensen at the Institute of National Affairs in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

This research was undertaken with the support of the ANU-UPNG Partnership, an initiative of the PNG-Australia Partnership, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The views are those of the author only.