PNG leader rejects UN rights concerns

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister has rejected the United Nations' concerns that his government is undermining the rule of law in the country.

Last month, the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said PNG was on a 'slippery path' to upending the constitution. [AFP: Fabrice Coffrini] Last month the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi, Pillay said PNG was on a "slippery path" to upending the constitution and undermining the rule of law.

She was particularly concerned by a new law giving parliament the power to suspend judges it deemed to be biased.

But PNG's Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, says the law ensures all public office holders, including judges, are subject to the same laws.

In a statement he denied it had undermined the constitution or eroded the independence of the judiciary.

Mr O'Neill says he has formed a committee to assess and respond to the UN's concerns.


(2012-05-09/radioaustralia)