The President of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama, says the autonomous Papua New Guinea region needs a strong constitution guaranteeing the civil rights of the people.
The Constitution Planning Commission, which is comprised of people from different walks of life from thoughout Bougainville, is about to begin its work.
They will travel around the region soliciting the people's views on what should be in the constitution for the new independent Bougainville that Tororama expects to emerge from the current negotiations with PNG.
He told the first meeting of the commission that the document must promote democracy, rule of law, social justice, equality and respect.
It must also protect the rights of the people of Bougainville, its resources and its cultural heritage.
Toroama said the constitution must protect the rights of indigenous owners to their land and resources.
He said it must guarantee resource owner interests are protected to ensure the government and the people benefit.
Photo: Supplied/ FB -Autonomous Bougainville Government
He told the commissioners a 'Rights Before Resources' approach to development must be enshrined in the constitution to protect the natural resources and people's rights.
The president said it also needs to take into account the natural environment as it remains a very important source of people's livelihoods.
