95% SAY GOVERNMENT NOT DOING ENOUGH ON SORCERY VIOLENCE

BY VICKY BAUNKE, Goroka

NINETY-FIVE percent of Papua New Guineans believe the Government is not doing enough to prevent sorcery accusation-related violence, according to a nationwide public opinion survey launched in Goroka.

The survey, conducted by the Melanesian Institute, captured the views of 2,000 respondents across all provinces of Papua New Guinea.

It found that 96 percent believe the Government is falling short in supporting survivors and bringing perpetrators to justice, while 99 percent say the Government should fund the implementation of the revised “Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence National Action Plan.’

The Melanesian Institute launched the findings in Goroka on August 7, with Executive Director Brother Martin Tnines calling for urgent Government action to address SARV.

The survey also found that 90 percent of respondents said sorcery accusation-related violence sometimes occurs in their communities.

While 68 percent said they personally believe in sorcery, 89 percent rejected violence against people accused of sorcery as morally wrong.

The Institute says more than 90 percent of respondents want increased Government support for SARV advocacy and awareness, rapid-response police teams in affected provinces and better-equipped health facilities to provide free medical care for survivors.

The findings also show 86 percent support banning the sharing of videos and photographs depicting SARV on social media.

The Melanesian Institute has conducted research and advocacy on SARV for more than 40 years.

The survey was independently conducted with funding support from the PNG-Australia Partnership.