Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) was recently in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, to run a legal aid outreach to encourage people to report corruption.
TIPNG encouraged the people of Goroka town to report corruption to its Advocacy & Legal Advice Center (ALAC).
The ALAC is a community service that gives free legal advice and assistance to people report instances of corruption that they encounter.
“TIPNG strongly believes that an important part of the fight against corruption is for victims or witnesses of corruption to speak out and report corruption,” said the anti-rot agency.
Corruption complaints that were registered in Goroka will be receiving free legal assistance from TIPNG through:
- Consultation with a lawyer
- Referrals of complaints to anti-corruption agencies and other state bodies for investigation
- Follow up on all referred cases until a resolution is achieved
The legal aid clinic in Goroka is the first one in a series of outreach planned for the Highlands, Momase and the New Guinea Islands regions.
TIPNG is not mandated to investigate or prosecute alleged perpetrators of corruption but it connects complainants with relevant state authorities to pursue their case.
The ALAC also raises awareness on the corruption hotspots, educates citizens on their rights and responsibilities and works with existing state authorities in strengthening their capacities to process complaints.
“If you are a victim or witness of corruption, come forward and report it to the ALAC on the toll free number 180 6000, email info@transparencypng.org.pg or visit the TIPNG office at Lokua Avenue Boroko.”