PNG Says Enough to Sorcery Violence: 95% Demand Government Action

Executive Director Br. Martin Tnines SVD (Image Source:LSE blogs)

GOROKA – A groundbreaking nationwide survey by the Melanesian Institute in Goroka has revealed what many have long felt: Papua New Guineans have had enough of sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV).

The survey of 2,000 people across all provinces found that 90% confirm SARV happens in their own community. Hundreds of men, women and children are killed, tortured and displaced every year after being branded as sorcerers.

While 68% said they personally believe sorcery exists – reflecting our Melanesian worldview – a stronger 89% declared that responding with violence is “morally wrong.”

The message to Government is clear: 95% believe the Government is not doing enough to prevent SARV, and 96% say it is failing survivors and justice.

Speaking at the launch on 7 August, Executive Director Br. Martin Tnines SVD said: “SARV kills hundreds every year. Our people want the Government to act now and immediately publish, fund and implement its revised SARV National Action Plan.”

The Government’s own framework to stop the violence – the SARV National Action Plan (SNAP) – remains unpublished, unfunded and unimplemented. 99% of Papua New Guineans want it funded immediately.

People are calling for more awareness in villages, rapid response police teams in hotspot provinces, free medical care for survivors, and a ban on sharing graphic SARV videos on social media – supported by 86%.

Our Pastoral Call: If 90% of communities witness this violence, then 90% of our parishes do too. Every life is made in the image of God. As a Church we must accompany survivors and form consciences: to believe is one thing, to kill is a grave sin.

The people have spoken. Now is the time to act.