PNG: Action demanded on sorcery

The United Nations has issued an appeal to Papua New Guinea to take further action to prevent attacks on women accused of sorcery.

The UN and other human rights groups have charged that Papua New Guinea hasn’t done enough to protect women – and occasionally men – from being attacked.

In parts of the country, sorcerers are believed to be responsible for mystery illnesses and deaths.

In February 2013, a 20-year-old woman was burned to death after being accused of sorcery.

That same year, Papua New Guinea was praised for its repeal of the 1971 Sorcery Act, which had previously criminalised sorcery and allowed murderers to reduce their sentences if they alleged their victims were engaged in witchcraft.

The government then introduced the death penalty as punishment for rape, robbery, and murder.

UN human rights adviser Signe Poulsen participated in a workshop in Papua New Guinea on Thursday.

“First, there must be an end to impunity for those who incite or commit acts of violence against individuals accused of sorcery and witchcraft.

“Crimes must be effectively and immediately investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice in fair trials. This will send a strong signal that violent responses are unacceptable.

“However, while we support strong measures against perpetrators, we do not believe that the death penalty is an effective measure. It is rather the certainty that perpetrators will be apprehended and dealt with through sound judicial processes that will serve as a deterrent.”

He also recommended the government should coordinate with civil society organizations to “put in place emergency procedures to rescue and resettle women who are at risk of suffering sorcery-related violence in their communities.”

The recommendation underscored an urgent need for a system of health, financial, legal and other support to victims and their families, including an emergency shelter.

PNG’s deputy Secretary for Department of Justice and Attorney-General Jack Kariko addressed workshop participants saying that solutions need to be found to address sorcery related violence.

Kariko said: “The end result of the meeting should form the basis of policy and legislative reform that we hope will alleviate the pressures of the issue of sorcery.

“The Department of Justice and Attorney-General and certainly the government stands ready to receive whatever recommendations to consider and endorse so that the issue is addressed to a manageable level and our communities and the larger society are appreciative to the negative effects and have a positive change in attitude,” Kariko said.