The Independent State of Papua New Guinea

Location of Papua New Guinea located

The Independent State of Papua New Guinea is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is north of Australia and east of Indonesia and it is situated on the eastern half of the island of New Guinea. It has numerous smaller islands also included within its territory.

Was Papua New Guinea colonized?

Yes, Papua New Guinea was under colonization. Germany and Great Britain colonized it. The northern part of Papua New Guinea was under German control from the late 19th century until 1919. Germany then transferred to Australia as a League of Nations mandate. The southern part of Papua New Guinea was under British control, and in 1906 it became a British protectorate. Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia in 1975.

When did Papua New Guinea become independent?

Papua New Guinea gained independence on September 16, 1975. This marked a significant milestone in the history of this Pacific Island nation.

Who drafted the Constitution of Papua New Guinea?

The Constitution Planning Committee drafted of the constitution of Papua New Guinea. Sir John Guise chaired the Committee. The committee consisted of a diverse group of individuals, including politicians, legal experts, and representatives from various regions and interest groups in Papua New Guinea. The committee worked closely with the United Nations, which provided technical assistance and guidance throughout the drafting process. The final constitution was adopted and came into effect on September 16, 1975, the day of independence.

Constitution

The Constitution of Papua New Guinea is the supreme law of the country. It was adopted in 1975 when Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia. The Constitution provides the framework for the country’s political, legal, and social systems. It establishes the structure of the government, defines the powers and functions of different branches of government, and guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to the citizens of Papua New Guinea.

The Constitution of Papua New Guinea is divided into several parts. It is a unique document that reflects the specific circumstances, culture, and aspirations of the people of Papua New Guinea. It provides the framework for governance and protects the rights and interests of its citizens.

In the Preamble of the Constitution, the people have established the sovereign nation of Papua New Guinea. They did so by authority of their inherent right as ancient, free and independent people. The people declared themselves to be the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (State). Thereby asserting that all power belongs to the people acting through their duly elected representatives.

Furthermore, the people declared that they have resolved to enact a Constitution for the State. Consequently, acting through their Constituent Assembly on 15 August 1975, they established, adopted and gave themselves the Constitution. The Constitution took effect on Independence Day, 16 September 1975. Hence, the birth of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

The Independent State of Papua New Guinea

Section 1 of the Constitution describes that nation of Papua New Guinea as sovereign and independent. It further stated that the name of the State is the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. However, the Constitution does recognize that the State would not always be referred to by this name. There might be other variants of this name. Therefore, it states that an Act of Parliament shall make provision for the name and its variants to be protected. Consequently, the National Name (Protection) Act (Chapter 10) was enacted to implement Section 1 (2) of the Constitution. Furthermore, Section 1 also sets out two important characteristics of the State. These characters are as follows:

• A sovereign state which has the power to rule over its own territory free from another sovereign rule.
• An independent state which is to be politically and economically independent and have a self- reliant economy.

What does it mean to be a sovereign State?

To be a sovereign state means that a country or nation is independent and has the absolute authority and power to govern itself. It is not under the control or authority of any other external entity or government. A sovereign state has the right to make its own decisions, establish its own laws, and control its own territory without interference from outside entities. It also has the right to interact with other sovereign states on an equal footing and to represent itself in international relations. Sovereignty is a fundamental principle of international law and is considered a key characteristic of an independent nation.

What does it mean to be an independent State?

To be an independent state means to have absolute autonomy and self-governance. An independent state has the authority to make its own decisions, establish its own laws, and control its own territory without being under the control or authority of another country or external entity. It is not dependent on another state for its political, economic, or social affairs. This includes the ability to form relationships, engage in diplomatic relations, and participate in international affairs as a sovereign entity. An independent state is recognized by other states as a political and legal entity who has the right to determine its own destiny and pursue its own interests.

The area of Papua New Guinea

Section 2 of the Constitution identified the area of Papua New Guinea. As of Independence Day, Papua New Guinea’s area included the land that was known as Papua New Guinea, as well as all internal waters, the territorial sea, and lands that lie below them. It also includes any neighbouring waters and lands that lie below them, as well as any other lands and waters that the Head of State, acting with and following the advice of the National Executive Council, declares to be part of that area.

Papua New Guinea has absolute sovereignty over:

• its territory; and
• the natural resources of its territory.

This sovereignty is and shall remain absolute unless Papua New Guinea freely accepts obligations at international law. However, where Papua New Guinea must make such acceptance, it must be done in accordance with the Constitution.

All in all, the Independent State of Papua New Guinea was formed by the convergence in unity of all the tribes of this Nation. All the people came together and agree to form this nation under the Constitution. Hence, it become independent on 16 September 1975.

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