Sorcery accusation related violence (SARV)

Calls To Implement SARV Law

Ancillary Bishop, Wabag Diocese, Bishop Justin Soongie is deeply condemned that the recent killing of four women and brutally injuring five in Enga for a false accusation for the death of a prominent Engan businessman in July.

Bishop Soongie who led the rescue party together with the local police and Caritas PNG volunteers for rescuing the five who survived, condemned the actions of the perpetrators.

“Violence Against Women Must End”

Chargé d'Affaires Joe Zadrozny met with PNG officials today, voicing concerns by the U.S. embassy regarding alarming articles of SARV in the media in NCD, and issued a statement noting that SARV was not limited to one region of PNG but is an issue that effects all Papua New Guineans.

He stated that SARV and GBV are the greatest barriers to PNG’s stability and progress, in order for PNG to maintain a healthy democracy and for communities to increase their income levels, violence against women must stop.

Bernadette Ove - Education a powerful tool

While being a representative of the organization she belongs to, Mrs Ove says that she also stands for all women and girls. She said the network of women educators are scattered all over Papua New Guinea. A big number of them are found in the two dioceses of Southern Highlands Province and Enga Province.

In the Council of Churches a joint National Churches Strategic Plan was launched in 2018 to address Sorcery Accused Related Violence (SARV). It was described as a landmark development at the time it was launched in Wabag, Enga Province.

Protect and Respect Human Life

This was in light of a video that went viral on social media of captured women being tortured after being accused of practicing sorcery.

The panel of speakers included Cardinal Sir John Ribat, Auxiliary Bishop Justin Soongie of Wabag Diocese, Bernadette Ove and Reverend Roger Joseph, General Secretary for PNG Church of Christ.

Cardinal Ribat reflected on the aspect of human rights and personal dignity saying that every human has a fundamental right to a Life that should not be abused or terminated at any cost through barbaric actions.

SHP police trained to handle SARV cases

Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Martin Lakari, said SARV is widespread in the Highlands region and it is crucial police officers are able to properly investigate and prosecute these crimes.

“Police are the first point of contact when SARV escalates in the communities and villages, so it’s important to possess the necessary skills to effectively investigate and prosecute,” PPC Lakari said.

Intensive training on SARV

Thirty-two Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary officers in the province were briefed on the latest laws and legal framework regarding SARV crimes at the recent workshop in Minj.

Participants took part in discussions and activities on efficient ways to identify and charge alleged perpetrators in SARV cases.

Constable Alice Bureng from Banz Police Station said they attended to SARV cases on a weekly basis.

Govt called to act

They made this call during an appearance at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Tribal Foundation is urging the government to enforce existing laws and prosecute both perpetrators and instigators of Sorcery Accusation Related Violence.

Tribal believes these initiatives will be strengthened by the creation of a much needed National Human Rights Commission, which the Prime Minister called for in 2012 and again in 2018, after a visit by the then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.

Sorcery victim released from hospital

Husband of the victim, Mathias Siba, told a District Court sitting at Bomana today that she has been discharged from hospital but is still unable to walk.

Margaret Siba, in her 60s, requires aid from her family members to move around in the house, including going to the toilet.

She was released from the Port Moresby General Hospital last Wednesday and now resides at Morata One with her son.

Sorcery case: Court still not satisfied on victim’s safety

The two women are from Marawaka in Eastern Highlands Province.

The Waigani Committal Court is still not satisfied that the safety of the victim, Margaret Siba, from Chimbu, will be guaranteed if the defendants are let out on bail.

Almen Sana, Pangume Jethro, Morris Alla, Jennet Alla, Nancy Allan, Mani Koi, Kenneth Philip and Iso Birame all returned before Deputy Chief Magistrate, Dessie Magaru today.

Early this week they asked the court for bail, which was refused after the court expressed concerns of the safety of the victim if the defendants are released on bail.

Aggressive campaigns needed for sorcery awareness

Non-Government Organisations have identified these as vital tools to addressing this issue.

Department for Community Development and Religion confirmed they have funding to cater for this and anticipate increasing the level of awareness nationwide.

The Department’s acting deputy secretary, Jerry Ubase, said the Department is now focused on rolling out more awareness programs this year, thanks to the K10 million budgeted for awareness programs.