UN Condemns Violent Atrocities in East Sepik, Urges Justice for Victims - July 2024

At least 26 people were reportedly slaughtered in an outburst of violence following an alleged land dispute in the Sepik River villages of Tamara, Tambari, and Agrumara.

Expressing deep shock and grief, United Nations Resident Coordinator Mr. Richard Howard said the latest atrocities were “a profound violation of human rights and dignity.” 

“This heinous crime is an affront to our shared humanity,” Mr. Richard Howard said. “The brutalisation of innocent villagers, especially the sexual violence against women and girls, is utterly unacceptable,” he said. The highest UN representative in the country said it was imperative that the perpetrators were held accountable, and justice was served for the victims and their families.

The UNICEF Papua New Guinea Representative Angela Kearney said the drama was indicative of a disturbing trend of tribal violence aimed at the most vulnerable, particularly women and children.

“What happened in East Sepik strikes at the heart of what we stand against—blatant disregard for life and dignity, particularly of the most defenceless among us,” Kearney said. 

The United Nations’ first priority is to ensure that survivors are protected from further harm and to provide comprehensive psychosocial support to mitigate the risk of lasting mental trauma.

Resident Coordinator Mr. Richard Howard said the United Nations stands in solidarity with the affected communities and reinforced his call for swift action from law enforcement agencies to investigate, identify and charge the perpetrators.

“We look forward to working with the Government of Papua New Guinea and other partners to ensure that the survivors receive the necessary support, such atrocities do not go unpunished, and underlying conditions in the affected communities are addressed so that these atrocities are prevented in the future,” said Mr. Richard Howard.

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Mr Richard Howard, UN Resident Coordinator (richard.howard@un.org; +675 7969 8118)
Ms Angela Kearney, UNICEF Representative (akearney@unicef.org; +675 7100 0370)