Security Overview for Papua New Guinea

Lawlessness is a major problem throughout Papua New Guinea and special precautions are necessary. Petty crime is rampant, and violent crime rates are very high, particularly in Port Moresby and other cities. Assaults, armed robberies, carjacking, rapes, and murders occur frequently, often involving criminal gangs. Walking or driving at night is potentially hazardous; females should not travel alone.

Police capabilities are limited and budget shortfalls, indiscipline, and high levels of corruption are ongoing problems within the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC). Utilizing the services of vetted security companies is vital in the commercial and industrial sectors due to law enforcement shortcomings. Unguarded travel is also highly inadvisable in both cities and remote areas.

Demonstrations and labor strikes negatively affect internal security throughout the country, but these problems typically do not directly affect foreign commercial interests outside the mining and energy sectors. Ethnic strife and clan disputes, typically linked to access to natural resource wealth, are problems throughout the country, particularly in the Highlands region. Ethnic conflict is also common in cities with large migrant communities. A 2001 peace deal effectively ended separatist insurgency on the remote island of Bougainville, but warlords still exercise influence in some areas and the autonomous region remains highly underdeveloped.

Terrorism has not been a problem in Papua New Guinea, and there are few indications that it will be in the near future. The country is perceived to be an unfavorable operating area for Islamist extremists, but the capacity of Papuan law enforcement to detect or thwart any transnational terror plots is low.

Kidnapping-for-ransom has not been an historical problem for foreigners or the expatriate community, but it is an emergent concern. The perceived threat is greater to wealthier segments of the Papuan population, including merchants and high-ranking businesspeople and their dependents.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

The crime assessment is based on prevalence of petty crime, violent crime and random violence that could threaten foreigners.
A security services rating is determined by analyzing the trustworthiness and capability of local police and security services.
For civil unrest, we consider the level of violent demonstrations and prevalence of anti-government and/or anti-foreign sentiment.
The terrorism category includes levels of terrorist acts targeting domestic and international targets and state sanctioned terrorism.
The kidnapping rating is assigned by analyzing the occurrence of kidnapping for ransom and political leverage within the country.
An assessment of geopolitical stability considers the political infrastructure and economic stability that affects the overall security environment.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.