Thursday 10 October 2024
The Land Commission team is currently doing research at the Bundesarchiv, the Federal Archives in Berlin, Germany. (image supplied).
The Government, through the Papua New Guinea Land Commission, is currently researching into colonial land acquisitions at the Bundesarchiv, the Federal Archives in Berlin, Germany.
Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Hon. Pila Niningi, when commending the Land Commission for its ongoing efforts, remarked, the research is a crucial step in addressing the historical injustices related to land ownership and will guide future policies to protect the rights of citizens.
The Land Commission team, led by Chief Commissioner Mr. Molean Kilepak, has made remarkable progress, analyzing over 25,000 slides so far, from various microfilm files related to German New Guinea.
The work involves critical examination of Imperial Court Proceedings and administrative correspondence, providing invaluable insights into Papua New Guinea’s colonial history.
“This initiative is an important step toward reconciling our colonial past. By thoroughly examining the historical records, we can better advocate for the rights of our citizens and inform our policies to support rightful land ownership.”
The Minister highlighted the significance of upcoming diplomatic meetings the Land Commission team will have in Berlin, including a scheduled discussion with Hon. Katya Keul, Minister of State Assisting the Federal Foreign Office of Germany.
These meetings will provide a platform to strengthen bilateral relations and explore potential support for the Land Commission’s work.
Furthermore, Minister Niningi highlighted the potential for expanding research opportunities at additional archives, such as the Geheimes Staatsarchiv, the Political Archive of the Foreign Ministry and the Church Archives which will enrich the country’s understanding of this complex history.
“Our goal is to compile comprehensive data that can inform our legislative reforms and empower our communities,” he added.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to the Marape-Rosso Government, the German Federal Foreign Office and other diplomatic partners who have supported the Land Commission on its mission to retrieve Papua New Guinea’s colonial land acquisition records from Germany.
He further expressed his gratitude to the Land Commission team for their dedication and professionalism in this critical undertaking.
He reassured the public that updates will be provided as the research progresses, reinforcing the government’s commitment to addressing historical land issues.