Law Society President Calls for Renewed Commitment to Rule of Law

On February 2, 2026, during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Legal Year in Port Moresby, the President of the Papua New Guinea Law Society, Mr. Hubert Namani, called for a renewed national commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, ethical legal practice, and accountability.

Addressing the Chief Justice, members of the Judiciary, Government leaders, and the legal profession, Mr. Namani welcomed recent improvements in justice infrastructure but stressed that justice is not achieved through buildings alone. He stated, "A courthouse does not guarantee justice. Justice is a system, a culture, and a discipline."

Reflecting on Papua New Guinea's journey beyond 50 years of independence, Mr. Namani challenged the nation to reaffirm the supremacy of the Constitution and restore public confidence in the courts. He warned that criminal impunity has reached alarming levels, stating that corruption, fraud, and violence must be investigated, prosecuted, and punished for the rule of law to be meaningful. "The Rule of Law is proven by convictions, not speeches," he emphasized.

Mr. Namani also highlighted the economic risks posed by weak enforcement of anti-money laundering laws, warning that continued failure could expose Papua New Guinea to international "grey listing" with serious national consequences. He raised concerns over delays in court processes, particularly reserved judgments, noting the human and commercial costs of prolonged litigation, and called for stronger case management and judicial administration.

Encouraging judicial courage and independent thinking, Mr. Namani stated that dissenting judgments strengthen the development of the law. He reaffirmed the PNG Law Society's commitment to professional ethics, discipline, and trust account compliance, announcing the introduction of Compulsory Continuing Legal Education (CLE) from 2027 as part of practicing certificate requirements.

Mr. Namani confirmed that the annual Rule of Law March will take place on Friday, 27 March 2026, with further details to be released later this month. He also cautioned lawyers on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, reminding the profession that technology must not replace professional judgment.

Concluding his address, Mr. Namani said the new courthouse must symbolize a renewed national covenant for justice, accountability, and equality before the law. "Justice must be timely, courageous, and never reserved only for the powerful," he stated.