Bishop Justin Ain Soongie Addresses Persistent Sorcery-Related Violence and Gaps in Justice at Caritas PNG Workshop

Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province: The Bishop of Wabag, Most Reverend Justin

Ain Soongie has expressed deep concern over the continuing torture and abuse of

women accused of sorcery across Papua New Guinea, saying the current government

measures have “no effect” because the violence persists, and law enforcement

frequently fails to act.

The Bishop of Wabag, Most Reverend Bishop Justin Ain Soongie and Bishop Deputy of Caritas PNG

Speaking during his presentation at the Media Sensitisation Workshop hosted by

Caritas PNG in Goroka, Bishop Soongie, detailed the challenges his diocese has faced

in rescuing, sheltering, and supporting victims of Sorcery Accusation Related Violence.

Police Failure a Major Obstacle:

According to Bishop Soongie, efforts to work closely with law enforcement have been

hampered for years by inaction.

“For many years, police have never done their responsibility of arresting and

prosecuting the perpetrators,” he said, noting that victims often end up proving their own

cases without institutional support.

The bishop explained that although communities call the diocese for help when

someone is being tortured or threatened, police responsiveness is inconsistent. At

times, police accompany the rescue team; at other times, they refuse to provide

vehicles or officers.

Rescue Missions and Medical Neglect:

Bishop Soongie described how his diocesan team often conducts rescue operations

themselves when reports of torture reach them. Victims are frequently released only

after severe physical harm.

Once rescued, the victims are taken to a hospital—but medical care is not always

guaranteed.

“When they hear it’s a sorcery case, some nurses and doctors become scared,” he said.

“There is misunderstanding and false belief, so victims are neglected.”

To counter this, the diocese brings victims directly to its Yampu Health Centre, where

they receive immediate care before any necessary referrals to the general hospital.

Participants and Facilitators of the Media Sensitisation Workshop at Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province.

Safe Houses Burned Down, Temporary Shelter Established:

The bishop also revealed that their previously established safe house in Koma was

burned down during tribal fighting in the Kompiam, Ambum District, leaving the diocese

to seek temporary alternatives. The current arrangement at the Sare Catholic Pastoral

Centre provides shelter, food, and care coordinated by local sisters.

Victims often remain under care for months, sometimes up to half a year, until it is safe

for them to return to their communities.

From 2015 to Now: Learning and Adjusting:

The Bishop recounted that the first major case the diocese handled in 2015 left them

struggling to respond, partly due to language barriers and a lack of proper facilities. This

experience convinced them to continue supporting survivors within their own diocese

instead of sending them outside the region.

By 2019, the diocese shifted focus to addressing the root causes of sorcery-related

violence after recognizing that rescue and aftercare alone could not stop the cycle of

accusations.

He noted that community awareness programs, training, and collaboration with

stakeholders have contributed to a significant reduction in cases. The most recent case

brought to the diocese occurred on 10 February, and even that was an unconfirmed

accusation.

Media’s Role in Addressing the Crisis:

Bishop Soongie emphasized that media reporting is crucial in combating harmful beliefs

and informing the public.

He urged journalists and media workers attending the workshop to use their platforms to

educate communities, highlight the human cost of these attacks, and hold authorities

accountable.