Collaboration to address Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (SARV)

The Melanesian Institute (for Pastoral & Socio-Economic Services Inc.) organized a program on the 27th of May that brought together various stakeholders to present findings from the Melanesian Institute’s research on best practices in addressing Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (SARV) and to open discussions for further collaboration on addressing SARV.

Present at the gathering were Honorable James Nomane, MP, Opposition Leader and Member for Chuave; Honorable Governor of Simbu Province, Noah Kool, MP; Br Martin Tnines, SVD, Executive Director of the Melanesian Institute; Rev. Garo Kilagi, Moderator of the United Church of PNG and Chairman of the MI Governing Council; Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands; and Mr. Scott Waide, senior journalist, blogger, and influencer.

Br Martin Tnines, SVD, Executive Director of the Melanesian Institute

Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (SARV) remains a deeply troubling issue in Papua New Guinea, causing immense harm to individuals and communities across both rural and urban areas. The Melanesian Institute (for Pastoral & Socio-Economic Services Inc.) is urging churches to work together more intentionally in confronting this crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for spiritual guidance, practical support, and protection for survivors, particularly children and people with disabilities, who are often the most vulnerable.

SARV not only inflicts physical and emotional suffering but also drives displacement and inter-generational trauma, underscoring the shared responsibility of churches and government to improve services, strengthen education and awareness, and take a clear stand that SARV is a crime against humanity. As influential voices for justice and human dignity, churches must fully embrace their role in challenging harmful beliefs and practices, holding authorities accountable, and ensuring that no life is lost to fear, violence, or indifference.

Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands; Honorable James Nomane, MP, Opposition Leader and Member for Chuave; Honorable Governor of Simbu Province, Noah Kool, MP. (From left to right)

 Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands; Mr. Scott Waide, senior journalist, blogger, and influencer; Rev. Garo Kilagi, Moderator of the United Church of PNG and Chairman of the MI Governing Council, and Honorable Governor of Simbu Province, Noah Kool, MP. (From left to right)