Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Papua New Guinea
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Papua New Guinea:
Story
16 August 2024
UN Papua New Guinea Advocacy Note: Promoting Safe and Dignified Relocations and Parameters for Managing Risks - August 2024
The landslide in the Maip Mulitaka region of Enga Province, Papua New Guinea on May 24, 2024 caused significant damage and fatalities, impacting approximately 9,900 individuals from 1,990 households. Of these, 1,680 individuals from 348 households displaced. In response, the United Nations (UN) in Papua New Guinea has provided lifesaving assistance to affected communities, including the provision of food assistance, shelter kits, non-food items, health support and mental health and psychosocial assistance to affected households, in coordination with the Provincial Disaster Committee (PDC).Following the Enga Provincial Government – Provincial Disaster Committee’s “Declaration of Mass Evacuation” on 6 June 2024, the UN acknowledges the risks posed by future natural hazard-induced disasters in the Enga Province and the Government of Papua New Guinea’s recommendation for evacuation and relocation to avoid further human, material, and economic losses. The UN recognizes the commitment of the Government of Papua New Guinea to protect the rights and safety of all its citizens, including their right to achieve durable solutions to their current displacement. The UN is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of internally displaced persons (IDPs) throughout all phases of displacement, including relocation where return-to-areas-of-origin is not feasible. The UN affirms its support to all efforts which bring an end to displacement and promote lasting solutions for displaced persons where the conducive conditions for safe, voluntary, and dignified relocation are in place. In efforts to ensure relocation interventions centralize the protection of civilians through rights based dignified interventions that uphold the physical, material, and legal safety of affected individuals, and in adherence to international human rights law, humanitarian principles, and in contribution to the UN Secretary General Action Agenda on internal displacement, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Papua New Guinea under the auspices of the UN in Papua New Guinea here by recommends the following safeguarding guidelines in order for relocations to be considered principled, in adherence to international human rights law, humanitarian principles, and in contribution to the UN Secretary General Action Agenda on internal displacement:Voluntariness: Relocations should be undertaken voluntarily, without any form of coercion or inducements such as withholding aid or arbitrary detention.Informed Consent: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) must be provided with comprehensive information regarding relocation areas, available services, and overall plans well in advance to make informed decisions.Non-Discrimination: All services and support should be provided impartially, ensuring equal treatment regardless of ethnic or tribal identity.Safety and Compliance: Relocations must prioritize the physical, material and legal safety of IDPs, comply with legal standards, and ensure equal access to essential services.Dignity: Human dignity must be upheld throughout the relocation process, allowing IDPs to make choices and ensuring accountability.Inclusive Processes: Community involvement and consultations are crucial, considering the rights and needs of both IDPs and host communities.Safety Measures: Special measures should be implemented to safeguard the safety and security of IDPs, especially in areas prone to conflicts, to prevent harm and further tensions. The UN stands ready to support in mainstreaming the aforementioned guidelines during all phases of relocation: prior to relocation, during, and after. A coordinated and facilitated relocation abiding by the above safeguarding principles and practices, will enable a people-centred, inclusive, and participatory process, allowing all affected population and host communities to improve, or at minimum, maintain their living standards and opportunities and mitigate adverse impacts of relocation.
1 of 5
Story
13 August 2024
United Efforts to Address Mulitaka Displacement in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea - August 2024
A significant stride in tackling the Mulitaka displacement crisis was made with the successful conduct of a joint planning workshop on Solutions to Internal Displacement.This pivotal event united diverse stakeholders to formulate solutions for communities affected by the Mulitaka landslide disaster in Enga province in Papua New Guinea (PNG).Held in Wabag town on 7 August, the workshop drew 39 men and 11 women participants, including representatives from the Enga Provincial Government, National Disaster Center, district authorities, PNG Red Cross Society, Non-Governmental Organizations, faith-based organizations, local community leaders from the disaster affected areas, civil society organizations, media, and the United Nations.Organized by the Enga Provincial Government in partnership with the United Nations, and with technical support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the workshop aimed to foster a coordinated approach to better address the landslide disaster. The event served as a platform for in-depth discussions on durable solutions for the internally displaced persons. Key topics included an overview of the current situation, displacement figures, the status of interventions, and the presentation of the government’s recovery plan. The recovery plan was developed with technical support from UNDP."This workshop represents a critical step in our collective efforts to address the displacement crisis in Mulitaka. Our goal is to ensure that every action we take is rooted in collaboration and geared towards providing lasting solutions for the affected communities," said Laso Mana, Acting Director of the National Disaster Centre, while emphasizing the workshop's significance.Enga Provincial Administrator, Sandis Tsaka, echoed this sentiment. "Today's discussions highlight our shared commitment to tackling the challenges faced by the displaced populations. By working together, we can overcome the obstacles and implement effective solutions that will bring stability to those in need," he highlighted.The workshop marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing response to the Mulitaka landslide, highlighting a united effort among national, provincial, district, local level, and international partners to develop and implement protection-centric, and sustainable interventions.The outcomes of this workshop will guide the implementation of targeted actions to support the communities affected by the Mulitaka landslide. The collaborative efforts and shared commitment demonstrated during the workshop underscore the importance of partnership in disaster response, and post crises interventions.Funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, the successful completion of the joint planning workshop on Solutions to Internal Displacement signifies a robust and unified actions to the Mulitaka disaster.
***
For further information, please contact IOM Port Moresby:
Mr. Peter Murorera, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: pmurorera@iom.int
Ms. Anne Mandal, Tel: +675 72026763, Email: amandal@iom.int About the Joint Planning Workshop:
The Joint Planning Workshop for Solutions to Mulitaka Displacement was convened to address the solutions to the Mulitaka landslide disaster. It focused on developing collaborative strategies for durable solutions and ensuring coordinated responses among key stakeholders.
***
For further information, please contact IOM Port Moresby:
Mr. Peter Murorera, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: pmurorera@iom.int
Ms. Anne Mandal, Tel: +675 72026763, Email: amandal@iom.int About the Joint Planning Workshop:
The Joint Planning Workshop for Solutions to Mulitaka Displacement was convened to address the solutions to the Mulitaka landslide disaster. It focused on developing collaborative strategies for durable solutions and ensuring coordinated responses among key stakeholders.
1 of 5
Story
27 April 2023
Invest in Girls in ICT
The United Nations believes women and girls who are given career opportunities in the digital information, communications and technology industry (ICT) can make significant contributions to the workplace.
ICT is revolutionizing the human experience and transforming lives around the world, yet many women in developing countries often find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide simply because of their gender.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea, Richard Howard, said it is time for employers to close the digital divide which too often is propped up by gender inequality.
“Businesses that recruit women and give them the skills to use IT programs and data storage technologies, will be tapping into a whole new productive resource.” Mr. Howard said.
Mr. Howard said he understood that many women and girls in rural provinces do not have access to computers or the internet and that access to such technology can serve as a basis for challenging gender norms which tend to hold women and girls back.
International Girls Day is a great opportunity to challenge us to find ways to leverage technology to improve the lives of women and girls at every stage of the life course.
END
1 of 5
Story
05 July 2024
E-Waste Management Stakeholder Workshops Held to Advance Sustainable Waste Management in Papua New Guinea
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in partnership with the Australian Government is supporting Government of Papua New Guinea’s efforts to develop sustainable solutions for electronic waste management in the main urban centers.In July 2024, UNOPS conducted a series of e-waste management stakeholder workshops in Port Moresby, Lae, and Mount Hagen, gathering over 50 participants from various stakeholders in the PNG government, development partners, and industry representatives to discuss responsible e-waste management in the country. In her opening remarks, UNOPS Country Manager for PNG, Ms Joeena Simpson, gave a background on UNOPS function and its establishment in PNG and an overview of the e-waste project and its conception in consultation with the Deputy Prime Minister's Office. “UNOPS is proud to partner with the Australian Government and the Government of Papua New Guinea to support a responsible and managed approach to a cleaner and greener future for the people of Papua New Guinea. Focusing on environmental protection, community health and economic opportunities enabled through e-waste management, we aim to reduce serious contaminants in waterways and on land.” Chief of Staff from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Sione Paasia, highlighted the significance of this initiative for PNG sustainable development. The workshops featured National Engineering Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited (NESPAK) presentation on the key findings of their feasibility studies conducted in Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen in 2023 followed by group discussions on the impact of e-waste, and what the challenges and key priority areas are for PNG in achieving e-waste management by 2030 both at the national and local levels. Discussions also focused on leveraging the economic opportunities presented by proper e-waste management through a circular economy approach and the resulting job creation opportunities. //ENDS.Media Contact: Zekun Shi, Communications Officer, UNOPS South East Asia and Pacific, zekuns@unops.org
1 of 5
Story
31 August 2023
Social and Environmental Standards Validation Workshop in Kokopo, East New Britain Province
The Workshop is currently underway for the GEF7 FOLUR Project in Kokopo, East New Britain (ENB) Province from the 28th of August to the 02nd of September 2023.
Between March and April this year, project data collectors which consisted of UNDP and provincial Administration staff travelled to Inland Baining and in Central Pomio LLGs visiting communities and introducing them to the GEF7 FOLUR Project through a stakeholder engagement process.
During these visits, valuable social and environmental information were collected and developed into a Social and Environmental Management Plan, an Indigenous People’s Plan and a Gender Action Plan.
These are important documents that UNDP and its Implementation Partner, CEPA, will utilize to ensure the natural environment and the rights of the communities are protected appropriately during project implementation.
The purpose of the workshop this week is to validate the information collected and allow community representatives and government officials to provide critical feedbacks that will guide the GEF7 FOLUR Project moving forward.
////////
1 of 5
Story
10 November 2022
Communities Affected by Conflict Pledge to Promote Peace
Port Moresby – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) continues to work with local authorities in Southern Highlands and Hela provinces to empower women and youth, establish the resilience of local communities at risk of displacement from human-induced and natural hazards and sustain peace in the areas.
With the financial support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, IOM is empowering local communities, including women and youth from Mapata, Pira (Southern Highlands), Tenggo, Idawi, and Papeli (Hela), to nurture and implement community peace and development plans (CPDPs). As part of its interventions, IOM enhanced the peacebuilding knowledge and skills of 44 women, men, and youth from the target communities. Local authorities in Southern Highlands province were also equipped with the knowledge to sustain peace and promote community-driven development through training on inclusive peacebuilding and development planning.
Held in Mt. Hagen town, the training brought together community members from Mapata and Pira, as well as officials from Kagua-Erave district and Aiya local level government in Southern Highlands province.
The training covered various topics, including the root causes and negative consequences of conflict, the participation of women and youth in peacebuilding and sustainable development, and risk reduction measures that could help contribute to building community resilience.
“We need more of this kind of training for our community members. The knowledge we received through this training will help reduce violence in the communities,” said pastor Francis Benny, CPDP training participant. Pastor Benny noted that more people, especially youth, should be targeted with the training that helps promote peace.
Participants upskilled by IOM on peacebuilding and development will co-facilitate the 5-day community planning sessions with IOM and jointly draft the CPDPs. Also, they are expected to provide the capacity building training for members of their communities, including women and youth, on peacebuilding and development planning with knowledge they acquired from the training.
Two conflicted groups, including their leaders, known as ‘warlords,’ also participated in the training, agreeing to peacefully resolve their differences and work collectively towards the improvement of their community to sustain peace.
“We have been fighting, and we all know that this is not good. From now onwards, let us go back and work together. Caring for one another is what our culture promotes,” said Mary Wapi, a local community member.
“We do not want to fight anymore. You will remember that we committed ourselves to reconciliation at the time IOM visited our community,” noted a community leader and CPDP training participant, Robert Tawe. “We will work together and develop our plan. This is our commitment to promoting peace.”
Implemented under the “Preventing Climate-Induced Conflicts Through Empowered Women Leadership” project, the interventions by IOM include delivering training for inclusive community facilitation teams, co-facilitating with trained community members community-level planning sessions to draft the CPDPs, and implementing the drafted plans.
The Preventing Climate-Induced Conflicts Through Empowered Women Leadership project is part of the United Nations Highlands Joint Programme.
***
SDGs: 5, 10, 16
For further information, please contact at IOM Port Moresby, Getachew Mekuria, Tel: +675 4 3213655 Email: gmekuria@iom.int or Peter Murorera, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: pmurorera@iom.int
For further information, please contact at IOM Port Moresby, Getachew Mekuria, Tel: +675 4 3213655 Email: gmekuria@iom.int or Peter Murorera, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: pmurorera@iom.int
1 of 5
Story
03 November 2022
Displaced Families Welcome Food Aid from IOM and USAID
Port Moresby – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) continues to assess and assist communities displaced as a result of election-related violence in the Highlands region.
As part of the response, IOM delivered emergency shelter kits and non-food items to 615 households (3,921 people) in Mendi-Munhiu and Nipa districts in Southern Highlands province. IOM has also started distributing food rations to address the food insecurity situation facing the displaced communities.
With financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), IOM has distributed food rations to 250 households (1,350 people) that were displaced from Tupiri and Old Compound communities, to neighbouring villages in Mendi town. IOM is targeting an additional 750 displaced households (approximately 3,975 people) with the food rations.
The displacement tracking assessment conducted by IOM, local authorities, and partners identified 1,977 persons that were displaced from Old Compound and Tupiri communities by the conflict that happened in Mendi town in August 2022 and are yet to return to their homes.
IOM worked closely with the leadership from the displacement-affected communities and Southern Highlands Provincial Administration to identify the most vulnerable population such as persons living with disabilities, old persons, and women heads of household, to target with food aid.
“This assistance is a huge relief to us. We needed help, especially the mothers and children because they are affected the most by the fighting,” said Luke Welin, a community member from Old Compound.
The distribution of food rations by IOM took place in Mendi town, and the food rations kit comprises of rice, cooking oil, tinned fish, sugar, and iodized salt that would last for up to two months.
In total, IOM distributed 30.5 tonnes of rice, 1,875 litres of cooking oil, 4.6 tonnes of tinned fish, 1.125 tonnes of sugar, and 0.375 tonnes of iodized salt.
With support from UNICEF and working in partnership with the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority, IOM will supply the target communities with nutrient supplements for children.
“Our properties and backyard food gardens were destroyed during the conflict, leaving many families with little, or no resources to fend for themselves,” said Joanne Epi, a church leader and women’s representative in Old Compound community. “You gave us cooking utensils and emergency shelter materials and have come back to give us food. Thank you, IOM and USAID,” added Joanne.
Funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund and USAID/BHA, IOM continues to work in partnership with local authorities to assess communities displaced by election related violence, including providing relief assistance in the form of shelter kits, food rations, and non-food items.
***
For further information, please contact IOM Port Moresby, Getachew Mekuria, Tel: +675 4 3213655 Email: gmekuria@iom.int or Peter Murorera, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: pmurorera@iom.int
1 of 5
Story
16 August 2022
United Nations remains committed to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea
On 16 August, the United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i. Mr. Themba Arthur Kalua had a bilateral meeting with Mr Koney Samuel, Secretary of the Department of Planning and Monitoring (DNPM). During the meeting, Mr Kalua expressed the continued support of the United Nations to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea and discussed Papua New Guinea's Mid-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP-IV) and the next UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
The United Nations has embarked on the development of the next United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Papua New Guinea and will do so in close consultation with the Government of Papua New Guinea. The UNSDCF is nationally owned, and anchored in national development priorities, the 2030 Agenda and the principles of the UN Charter.
1 of 5
Story
10 July 2022
The Commonwealth Secretariat Observer Group in Papua New Guinea for National General Elections 2022
UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Mr. Dirk Wagener, met with the Commonwealth Secretariat Observer Group that is currently in Papua New Guinea to observe the 2022 General Elections.
The Commonwealth Secretariat Observer Group, led by H.E. Mr. Baron Waqa, former President of Nauru, and comprising a wide range of experts on various electoral processes met with Mr. Wagener to discuss and gain an understanding of electoral processes in Papua New Guinea.
Mr. Wagener said, “The Commonwealth Secretariat, together with other observer groups, was invited to observe the general elections by the Government of Papua New Guinea. Electoral observers play an important role as they, through their observation of the different stages of the electoral process, help to ensure that elections are conducted in a transparent and credible manner. Their findings and recommendations constitute valuable suggestions to improve the electoral process in Papua New Guinea”.
1 of 5
Story
05 July 2022
UN Women Official Mission to Autonomous Region of Bougainville
On June 08, UN Women Country Representative, Themba Kalua together with Jennifer Margulies from the United States of America Embassy in Port Moresby were on an official mission to Buka to explore ways of strengthening support to the women of Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB). The two delegates met with different stakeholders such as women leaders, peace builders, and government officials.
Themba and Jennifer had a lively discussion with women leaders who shared stories of their participation in peace and reconciliation processes in Bougainville. Women leaders identified areas that needed support for the women to actively participate in the peace processes that would lead to the Independent Bougainville.
Anna Sabur was one of the women who led the peace and reconciliation processes during and after the Bougainville conflict. She mediated between warring functions in the south, north and central regions of AROB to come together and surrender the arms.
“I was a mediator. Taking the risk to go to the bush and request the warring functions to surrender was not easy. We sent them messages, and they all met in one place with chiefs and leaders. After listening to our request, they accepted to lay down their gun,” she said
The women leaders requested for programmes that will address post conflict trauma especially among the youths, women, and ex-combatants.
“We need psychosocial support and trainings to the youths. They are still traumatized and causing trouble in communities. Mothers who gave birth during the conflict went through a lot. The need specialized programmes to cope with trauma,” she said
On the last day, Themba addressed over 45 women peace builders, Chairladies and Deputy Chairs, and ward members, who were attending a two-day peace building training at Adeeves Guest House in Buka. The training covered areas such as peace and security, and contextualized peace building, Gender and Human Rights, governance structures, political participation, and women’s leadership.
Themba encouraged the participants to maintain peace in their communities. “This is an encouragement to all of you to maintain peace. Maintaining peace requires a lot of work. It does not happen automatically. That is why we have this work workshop.”
He asked men to work together with female leaders saying that gender equality is not about men versa-as women but working together to deliver results to the people of Bougainville.
He concluded by promising UN Women’s continued support to the people of Bougainville and Papua New Guinea as whole. “We will continue to explore how we can strengthen our support to the people of Bougainville” he said.
1 of 5
Press Release
02 December 2024
UN Affirms Commitment to Combat Gender-Based Violence in Papua New Guinea, Calls for Robust Protection of Survivors
United Nations Resident Coordinator Richard Howard noted that the government of Papua New Guinea has made substantial progress in addressing gender-based violence, including passing the Family Protection Act, developing a National Gender-Based Violence Strategy, and setting up crisis centres and shelters across the country with strong involvement of civil society organizations. Howard further noted that the recent incident involving Ms. Joku “signified the legal and social barriers that survivors of gender-based violence, particularly women, face on a daily basis.” The implementation and enforcement of laws, the availability of support services, and the collection of comprehensive data to guide policies down to the local level “require more intensive focus of government, civil society, and all development partners, including the UN,” he stressed. According to Mr. Howard, the incident involving Ms. Joku is a sobering reality check during the nationwide commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls and the 20 Days of Human Rights Activism. The UN remains steadfast in supporting freedom of expression and protecting survivors and human rights defenders. He urged stakeholders to ensure legal processes are fair, transparent, and uphold justice and human rights. “The fight against gender-based violence being a critical priority, we call on all leaders and communities in Papua New Guinea to continue supporting efforts to address this pervasive issue and ensure that more survivors will decide to speak up for themselves and for other survivors, and they can work without fear of reprisal,” Mr. Howard said. “We stand ready to continue our partnership with the government and civil society to overcome this challenge,” he said. ENDMr Richard Howard, UN Resident Coordinator (richard.howard@un.org; +675 7969 8118)
1 of 5
Press Release
04 October 2024
The United Nations in Papua New Guinea congratulates the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government on their appointment of Sir Jerry Mateparae as the Independent Moderator for the Bougainville post-referendum process.
The appointment follows a week-long introductory visit by Sir Jerry in which he engaged with the two governments, in individual and joint meetings, to hear their views and perspectives on the issues at hand and to discuss how his role can support the process.The UN Resident Coordinator, Richard Stephen Howard, said:“The Bougainville Peace Agreement is one of the most successful peace agreements globally, having sustained peace within Bougainville and between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea since its signing in 2001. In the spirit of dialogue and listening and through consultation, I am optimistic of what can be achieved in resolving outstanding issues in the post-referendum process”.The UN will continue to support the national and autonomous governments in the post-referendum process.End
1 of 5
Press Release
17 September 2024
The United Nations in Papua New Guinea strongly condemns the ongoing violence in Porgera, Enga Province and requests the Government to restore security to enable safe humanitarian access and essential services for the affected communities.
An initial assessment of the situation on the ground confirms that the violence has resulted in a humanitarian crisis with significant displacement, food insecurity and limited access to medical care and essential services. Safety concerns, as well as logistical challenges created by the May 2024 landslide in Mulitaka (situated 40 kms away from Porgera via the Highlands Highway) are obstacles to the delivery of aid to the affected populations in Porgera. The Provincial Emergency Response Team have prioritized restoration of law and order and are working with the PNG Defence Force and the Provincial Police Commander who are mobilizing additional forces to Porgera. The Provincial Emergency Response Team has also prioritized a needs assessment and the United Nations, in the next 48 - 72 hours, will be deploying a joint needs assessment mission to support the Provincial team to assess needs of the affected population as well as to assess access to the affected locations. As of today, the number of fatal casualties reported by local sources is estimated to be in the range between 20 and 50, but this figure is subject to change and verification.END// For queries, send an email to the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator: rcs-uninpng-office@un.org
1 of 5
Press Release
21 August 2024
Echoes of joy belie shadows of grief
ANGORAM, EAST SEPIK PROVINCE, 9 AUGUST 2024 - The laughter and shouts of a group of youngsters echo through the air as they chase a football across a makeshift playing field, the faded lines of a basketball court serving as their boundary.Their excitement is a fleeting moment of joy. Beneath the surface of their excitement, a hint of unspoken anguish, grief, and struggle lingers, hinting at the stories they carry within – stories they wish were just bad dreams.Each one has faced a harrowing journey, having lost one or more family members, and narrowly escaped a life-or-death situation. “We need a lot of things now. When the enemies chased us, we ran away with nothing. We have no money to buy anything we want, we left our fishing grounds so we can’t earn an income,” says Damien (not his real name), a father of five whose wife and two young children were murdered in cold blood almost two months ago in Tambari village, Angoram District, East Sepik Province.“My wife and my two children were beheaded. I brought one child here for the police to see and then buried him not far from here. I went back to the village with the police a few days later and buried my wife and my second child in shallow graves where I found them. Three of my children are here with me, one of them is there playing football now,” Damien quietly explains. Damien is among the over 300 survivors, including more than 200 children, who fled a spate of brutal killings and sexual assaults committed by a gang of over 30 armed young men in the river villages of Tambari and Agrumara, located in the Kanda area of Angoram District on 17th July. At least 26 people, including 11 children were killed in this atrocious massacre.While the immediate needs of the survivors are critical – food, shelter, clean water, and enhanced sanitation and hygiene facilities – this tragedy has also revealed deeper, systemic issues that affect the lives of people in remote areas where violence prevails. Addressing these underlying challenges is essential for fostering long-term resilience and stability in these communities.For the past six years, the river communities in Angoram’s Kanda area have faced a significant absence of health and education services. Ongoing conflicts and violence between neighbouring villages, coupled with challenging access to these remote areas, have severely impacted families and children. “There’s no school in our community, it was burned during a conflict six years ago. The nearest school is too far so none of our children have ever been to school in the past six years. Now I’m happy to see three of my children attending class.” DamienShortly after the massacre, UNICEF delivered 100 hygiene kits and deployed a specialised team to provide psychosocial support to traumatised survivors.UNICEF continues to be on the ground supporting health, nutrition, education, and protection services for these survivors currently living in care centres in Angoram. Volunteers like Samantha from the host community, use educational and recreational resources donated by UNICEF to provide learning sessions for children in the care centres.“Nobody here has ever been to formal school. I’m conducting learning sessions for children aged 6 – 18 years, focusing on early childhood and elementary education. Ongoing conflicts in their communities have forced parents to keep their children at home. Teachers, fearful for their safety, are reluctant to go and teach there,” says Samantha.The last routine vaccination in these villages occurred in November 2017. Anita, a community health worker currently on leave but volunteering health services for survivors, confirms her last visit to these communities was also in November 2017.“No one has brought them health services since. All these children up to the age of five years have never been immunised and can easily get sick – they can get polio, measles, whooping cough, or any communicable disease,” Anita explains.“I’m a female and I can’t lead a team without the support of men to provide health services to these communities where there is a lot of conflict and violence. It’s very hard,” she adds.UNICEF’s Chief for Child Protection, Paula Vargas, who is facilitating psychosocial support for deeply traumatised children and adults condemns the violence.“It’s not only about this emergency. It’s not only about what these families are experiencing. It’s the violence that is happening in the country. We need to commit for a change, we need to say enough is enough. We need to build together a country with peace, without violence where children can grow, can play, can learn and can be happy”, Paula reiterates.
1 of 5
Press Release
29 July 2024
United Nations ramps up response as 200 survivors seek refuge after PNG East Sepik massacre - July 2024
More than 50 people were reportedly slaughtered in an outburst of violence following an alleged land dispute in the Sepik River villages of Tamara, Tambari, and Agrumara on 17 July. As of now, 88 households have been displaced and are living in six temporary care centers. The total number of individuals, disaggregated by sex and age, is still being finalized. The displaced families are currently sheltered in six temporary care centers. The immediate needs of these families continue to be food, hygiene kits for women and children, non-food items such as bedding and clothing, water, shelter (including camps and child-friendly spaces), child protection, gender-based violence and mental health and psychosocial services, and education. According to local government officials, five perpetrators of the massacre have been apprehended, while at least another 20 remain at large, causing continued fear in the community. Condemning the deadly violence, United Nations Resident Coordinator Mr. Richard Howard reiterated his call on the authorities to hold the perpetrators to account no matter what. “Peace is the first prerequisite for progress,” Mr. Howard said. “Violence is never the answer and will only exacerbate the problems that are already there,” he added. Mr. Howard added that it is now up to the authorities to deliver justice for the victims, bring rival parties back to the negotiation table, and avoid further bloodshed. Meanwhile, UNICEF has received reports of five unaccompanied children in Angoram whose parents have been killed or gone missing.UNICEF PNG Representative Ms. Angela Kearney said, a specialised team was on the ground to identify the children and provide adequate care, including much-needed psychosocial support. “Words can’t describe the horrors these poor children have witnessed,” Ms Kearney said. “Advanced psychosocial support is absolutely essential to prevent lifelong scars,” she added. According to Ms. Kearney, more help is on the way, including tents to provide shelter for families who have nothing to go back to since huts were burned down, and livelihoods destroyed.While assessment is ongoing, the United Nations continues to provide critical support. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is leading the registration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and providing camp coordination, shelter, non-food items, and emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) supplies.“As law enforcement is working towards containing the situation, IOM is moving quickly to bring aid to the affected communities as swiftly as access permits,” said Mr. Serhan Aktoprak, Chief of Mission, IOM. “We are collaborating closely with other UN agencies, as well as national and international partners.”Furthermore, UNICEF is supplying hygiene kits, high-performance tents, recreational kits, and registration services for unaccompanied and separated children, as well as establishing child friendly spaces and providing mental health and psychosocial services and gender-based violence services and referrals. The UN Humanitarian Advisory Team (UN HAT) is coordinating with local authorities and partners to conduct joint rapid needs assessments. Additionally, the Australian NGO Living Child, with support from UNICEF, is helping to establish child-friendly spaces in the Catholic Community Center and provide psychosocial services. END Mr. Richard Howard, UN Resident Coordinator (richard.howard@un.org; +675 7969 8118)Ms. Angela Kearney, UNICEF Representative (akearney@unicef.org; +675 7100 0370)Mr. Serhan Aktoprak, IOM Chief of Mission (saktoprak@IOM.INT)
1 of 5
Latest Resources
1 / 11
1 / 11