Public Opinion is Clear: Urgent Legislation Required to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation! Read the story

Papua New Guinea

Members

Equal Playing Field

Equal Playing Field is a human and community development organisation. We believe all humans have the right to safety from violence and the opportunity to thrive in a happy, healthy life. We deliver a whole-of-community approach to violence prevention. We deliver school-based Respectful Relationship Education, empower and educate teams of youth facilitators and build the capacity of schools and communities to address gender inequality, family violence and child abuse.

Femili PNG

Operating in Papua New Guinea since 2014, Femili PNG provides essential support services to survivors of family and sexual violence, with a special focus on protecting children. Through their case management centers in Lae and Port Moresby, they offer comprehensive assistance including safe housing, medical care, legal aid, and trauma counseling for children affected by violence. Working closely with law enforcement, courts, and community leaders, Femili PNG strengthens local child protection systems while raising awareness about child abuse prevention. Their training programs help service providers better identify and respond to cases of child exploitation and abuse.

Pikinini Watch PNG

Pikinini Watch stands as a grassroots child protection organization in Papua New Guinea, dedicated to safeguarding children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Through their community-based approach, they empower local communities to recognize and respond to child protection concerns. Their signature programs include child safety education in schools, parent education workshops, and a child helpline service. Pikinini Watch collaborates with traditional leaders, churches, and government agencies to create safer environments for children. Their advocacy work has been instrumental in strengthening local child protection policies and increasing public awareness about children’s rights.

Resources

ECPAT International
Perceptions of Frontline Welfare Workers on the Sexual Exploitation of Children in the Pacific

Year: 2019

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National Child Protection Systems in the East Asia & Pacific Region

Year: 2014

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Indicators

Age of Consent

No

The age of sexual consent is 16 years for children, for both girls and boys or over 14 that are married. The national legislation does not provide for a close-in-age exemption.

Analysis of country legislation on age of sexual consent, 2024

Extraterritoriality & Extradition

Partial

Extraterritorial jurisdiction is recognised for all offences under the Criminal Code committed partially abroad, if the offender, whatever its nationality, comes into the territory of Papua New Guinea afterwards (Section 12 of the Criminal Code). In these cases double criminality is not required. No form of active or passive extraterritoriality is provided.

SEC related offences can be considered extraditable if punished in both the requesting State and Papua New Guinea with at least one year of imprisonment, or otherwise if agreed as extraditable in an extradition treaty between the requesting State and Papua New Guinea. Double criminality is therefore required for extradition.

Criminal Code of Papua New Guinea,Extradition Act, 1974 (status as of 2002), 1975

CSAM Definition

Not Yet Assessed

Background Check Required

Not Yet Assessed

National Commitments

Not Yet Assessed

Child Advocacy Centers

Not Yet Assessed

SEC Police Unit

Not Yet Assessed

Protection Standards Travel and Tourism

Not Yet Assessed

Public SEC Case Data

Not Yet Assessed