Papua New Guinea's vast land area makes it the largest Pacific island country. It is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with more than 700 indigenous languages.
Over 80 percent of people live in rural areas and depend on subsistence agriculture. Infrastructure is poor and much of the rural population has little or no access to basic facilities.
Bougainville and the adjacent island of Buka have been devastated by the violent civil war that took place between local groups and the government of Papua New Guinea between 1989 and 1998.
Oxfam New Zealand in Papua New Guinea
Building peace
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Promoting peace in the Highlands of PNG
Oxfam is supporting the Kup Women for Peace in creating a peaceful society and promoting sustainable livelihoods in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. -
Practical support promotes peace in rural communities
Through practical support to improving cash incomes, Oxfam and its partner, CDA, are encouraging communities to strive for a peaceful future in areas that are traditionally beset by tribal conflicts and violence.
Gender justice and ending violence against women
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Ending violence against women
Oxfam and the Kup Women for Peace are helping protect women's rights and put a stop to violence against women in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. -
Women building peace
A stronger role for women in the peace and justice system is a key step towards promoting peace and ending violence against women in the Highlands. -
Confronting sorcery
Accusations of sorcery are an ever-present threat to the safety of women in Gumine. An Oxfam research project concludes that legal reform and education are essential to reduce the damaging effects of sorcery beliefs in Papua New Guinea.
Improving livelihoods
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Forest homes
A sustainable forestry project is providing permanent homes and skills to communities in Mitnade. -
Flour power
Maximising the value from a staple food crop -
Think big, start small
Tari women venturing into small-scale businesses are having a big impact on their communities. -
Fish ponds and meal
We are providing people with food security, health benefits and an income. -
Practical support promotes peace in rural communities
Through practical support to improving cash incomes, Oxfam and its partner, CDA, are encouraging communities to strive for a peaceful future in areas that are traditionally beset by tribal conflicts and violence. - Tari leads the way to a peaceful, sustainable future
Safe water and sanitation
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Sanitation for schools in the Highlands of PNG
Oxfam and our partner ATprojects are providing safe water, sanitation solutions and hygiene education to primary schools in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, including schools in some very remote areas. -
Providing safe water for all
Oxfam and our local partner are providing safe water for people living with HIV and AIDS and their carers, bringing dramatic improvements in the overall health and well-being of people living with HIV and AIDS. -
Water in rural Bougainville
Oxfam is training rural communities to build and maintain water supply systems and sanitation facilities, and providing health and hygiene education. -
How the Christchurch Pledge is helping Bougainville
The city of Christchurch has made a massive commitment to Oxfam’s Water for Survival work by aiming to raise $60,000 for the Bougainville programme. This committment will help 15 rural villages in Bougainville access safe water.
Our partners
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Partner profiles
Find out who Oxfam is working with in Papua New Guinea.
Country profile
- Papua New Guinea achieved independence in 1975, following 55 years of administration by Australia. Read more in the PNG country profile
Oxfam Unwrapped in Papua New Guinea and Bougainville
By buying a gift from Oxfam Unwrapped you can help support our work in Papua New Guinea. Take a look at Oxfam Unwrapped's gifts with a difference in Papua New Guinea and Bougainville and help lift people out of poverty, for good.