2024-07-24 17:40:36
At least 26 people, including 16 children, were killed during attacks on three villages in Papua New Guinea on July 16 and 18, the UN said on Wednesday, July 24, adding that the final toll could exceed 50 have died.
“I am deeply concerned about the outbreak of deadly violence in Papua New Guinea, apparently due to a dispute over the ownership and use of land and lake rights”, said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, in a statement. He explained that the attacks took place in the area of Eastern Sepik.
The death toll may exceed 50 deaths “as local authorities search for missing persons”said the High Commissioner, who indicated that more than 200 villagers fled when their houses were burnt.
He called the authorities “to conduct prompt, impartial and transparent investigations” and to ensure that those with rights are held accountable for their actions.
Volker Turkish juge “it is also important that victims and their families receive reparations, including adequate housing, effective protection against further attacks and psychosocial support”.
Ethnic conflicts are becoming increasingly violent
“I also call on the authorities to work with the affected communities to address the root causes of land and lake conflicts, and thus prevent the recurrence of further violence”it ends.
Papua New Guinea’s population has more than doubled since 1980, expanding on land and resources as ethnic conflict worsens.
Ethnic conflicts have increased in intensity in recent years with the influx of automatic weapons and specialists.
The island’s government has increased strategies to stop the violence – repression, mediation, amnesty and other methods – without much success.
At the same time, the country’s population has more than doubled since 1980, increasing stress on access to resources and land and ethnic rivalries.
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