Criminal Code Act 1974
HIV/AIDS Management and Protection Act 2003
Criminal Code Act 1974: (s 298) Unlawful Homicide; (s 340) Assaults Occasioning Bodily Harm
HIV/AIDS Management and Protection Act 2003: Transmission or attempted transmission
Although there have been no reports of prosecutions, a Papua New Guinea MP was investigated in 2006 following the death of two women from HIV-related illnesses, although it appears that the charges were later dropped. See attached media report.
Criminal Code Act 1974(s 298) Unlawful Homicide.
A person who unlawfully kills another is guilty of the crime of wilful murder, murder, infanticide or manslaughter, according to the circumstances of the case.
Criminal Code Act 1974(s 340) Assaults Occasioning Bodily Harm.
(1) A person who unlawfully assaults another and by doing so does him bodily harm is guilty of a misdemeanour.
Penalty: Imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years.
HIV/AIDS Management and Protection Act 2003(s 23) Intentional Transmission.
(1) The intentional transmission or attempted transmission of HIV to another person is
(2) Section 297 of the Criminal Code Act 1974 shall not apply in a prosecution under Subsection (1)(b).
(3) It is a defence to a charge of an offence relating to the intentional or attempted transmission of HIV to another person that β
(i) a condom or other effective means of prevention of HIV transmission was used during penetration; or
(ii) the accused person was not aware of being infected with HIV.
Pacific Island Aids Foundation
Colvin E (2002). Criminal Responsibility under the South Pacific codes
PIAF. Understanding Papua New Guinea's HIV/AIDS Management & Prevention ACT 2003:
Authors note: the situation in Papua New Guinea is not entirely clear. It seems that HIV-positive visitors are not allowed to enter the country.
All applicants seeking to travel to PNG must be of good health and good character. In some cases, medical documentation and a local police clearance certificate will be required. This will depend on the purpose and duration of the visit (please refer to the appropriate entry category). If an applicant has a criminal conviction, or is subject to criminal prosecution, that information must be disclosed at the time of application. Failure to disclose this information may result in the entry permit being refused, cancelled or deemed void.
Where medical documentation is required, this consists of:
The prescribed medical examination report form and radiology form are available from the nearest PNG Diplomatic mission. The doctor carrying out the examination and the radiographer carrying out the chest X-ray are required to complete and sign the relevant forms.
Entry Permits may be cancelled by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration (DFAI) in accordance with Section 6 of the Migration Act 1978.
Grounds for Entry Permit Cancellation include:
For updated information, please go to: www.hivrestrictions.org
Male to Male relationships: Not Legal
Punishments for male to male relationships: Imprisonment of 10 years or more
Female to Female Relationships: Legal
Marriage and Substitutes for Marriage: No law
For updated information, please go to: http://ilga.org
Yes