Sorcery violence report exposes PNG's failures, says Opposition Leader

A new survey into sorcery-related violence has laid bare how badly Papua New Guinea is failing its most vulnerable citizens, according to Opposition Leader and Chuave MP James Nomane, who used its launch to press the Government for immediate action.

Speaking in Goroka on Friday at the unveiling of the Melanesian Institute's national study on Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (SARV), Nomane acknowledged the years of work put in by Brother Martin Tines, the Institute, churches, community organisations, NGOs and advocates who have fought the abuse largely on their own, without adequate government backing.

 Sorcery violence report exposes PNG's failures, says Opposition Leader

Researchers spoke to 2,000 people spread across every province, uncovering that 95 percent of those surveyed do not think the Government is doing enough to address SARV, and 99 percent back government funding for the National Action Plan.

Nomane branded the figures "damning," pointing out that behind every statistic was a woman, child, elderly person or rural family member who had endured torture, been driven from home, or lost their life over sorcery accusations.

He linked the continuing violence to poverty, fear and declining moral standards, saying struggling communities too often direct their anger at people who cannot fight back.

The Opposition Leader called on Papua New Guinean men in particular to steer clear of mob attacks, arguing that genuine strength comes from defending the defenceless, not harming them.

He wants the Government to publish, resource and fully roll out the National Action Plan, and suggested a supplementary budget covering rapid-response police teams in the hardest-hit provinces, free medical treatment for survivors, broader awareness campaigns and a ban on posting SARV violence footage online.

Citing El Salvador's turnaround on gang violence as proof of what determined leadership can achieve, Nomane said the same kind of resolve could change outcomes at home.

He praised churches, community groups and advocates for continuing their efforts and urged the wider public to reject sorcery-related violence, saying the country could stamp it out through unity, deliberate action and a shared commitment to upholding the law and protecting those most at risk.