Dr Fiona Hukula

Dr Hukula joined the Think Tank as a project officer in 1998, working her way up to become senior research fellow and program leader for the ‘Building Safer Communities Research Program’ and Co-Program Leader for the  ‘Gender in PNG Research Program’.

She was also involved with other government organisations in Law and Justice, and was Deputy Chairperson of the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission.

Key concerns for the country include the economic impact of the pandemic and how this will affect the general population.

Senior Research Fellow at the National Research Institute, Dr Fiona Hukula, says equally important is the need to recognise the social problems that may arise as a result of the crisis.

“This includes gender-based violence,” she said in her paper entitled The potential impact of COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable groups.

Dr Fiona Hukula, a Commissioner of the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission, said this while leading an inter-government department team consultation in New Ireland Province, on the Review of Laws on City Planning and Urban Development.

Under the Cities act 1971, the current requirement for a city under the act includes a population exceeding 15,000, and unimproved land valued at K10 million.

Students at the University of PNG in Port Moresby have been boycotting classes for three weeks and last week issued Peter O'Neill an ultimatum to step down over a major fraud case he is implicated in.

The prime minister hasn't acceded to the demand, but commended the students on the mature manner in which the petition was presented to the government delegation at UPNG.

The delegation included the National Capital Governor, Powes Parkop, who commended the over 15-thousand students for their commitment to PNG's future.