The Commonwealth Lawyers Association has urged the Papua New Guinea government to protect its citizens and bring to justice those responsible for the recent deadly violence in three remote villages in the Momase region.
Police have arrested five of the 30 men involved in the mass killing that took place on July 16. However, the leaders of the group, who are reportedly armed, are still at large.
Reports indicate that nearly 400 people have been displaced due to the violence, with East Sepik Governor Allan Bird noting that tribal violence continues to worsen in the country.
The CLA has described the “barbaric killings” of 26 people, including women and children, in Angoram District as “utterly unacceptable and a gross violation of human rights.”
“The oldest and simplest justification for government is as protector: protecting citizens from violence,” the CLA stated.
The association emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law to protect the people of PNG and their human rights. It called for swift action by law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served and for communities to live securely without fear of violence.
Meanwhile, around 200 survivors of the massacre have sought help at Angoram Station. The United Nations is providing emergency relief and has set up six temporary care centers. Five children have been identified as unaccompanied, with their parents presumed dead or missing.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Regional Operations Samson Kua noted that investigations are ongoing and authorities are speaking with survivors to identify the criminal gang involved.
Angoram MP Salio Waipo has claimed he knows the individuals involved and has urged them to surrender. RNZ Pacific correspondent in PNG, Scott Waide, pointed out that while additional police have been deployed, there is no guarantee that villagers who witnessed the violence will be protected if they choose to testify in court.