More than K7 million has been secured to roll out programs to address Family, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (FSV) at mine site communities.
The program is an initiative of the PNG Government in partnership with World Bank who has injected K7.9 million (USD2.63 million) for the program, and will be managed by the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA).
In a statement, the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) states that it is believed, that FSV at landowner communities at projects sites in the country is an issue, and if not addressed adequately it contributes to the break down in family units and other social problems and subsequently the operations of mines.
MRA Managing Director, Philip Samar, said that they recognise that FSV is a major issue.
“It is therefore critical that MRA as the regulator of the mining industry, takes the lead in addressing this issue. Samar acknowledged the contribution of the WB in funding the FSV project,” he said.
The project aims to improve access to care for survivors of violence, and to change attitudes towards FSV in communities
It also aims to build the capacity of local organisations that support and advocate on the issue of FSV. It will encourage the government, civil society and extractive industry companies to work together on this issue.
A scoping exercise is currently being undertaken to prepare programs addressing Family, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (FSV) in mine site areas around PNG.
Research from the scoping exercise will assist the Government develop appropriate programs to assist in eliminating FSV in mining communities.
Overseas firm ‘Finnish Overseas Consultants’ (FinnOC) has been contracted to carry out the program.
They commenced work earlier this month at relevant communities around Frieda and Hidden Valley mine sites and will continue similar work at communities around Porgera mine site.