Evelyn Kunda, an activist currently in Aotearoa, is raising awareness about the alarming issue of sorcery-related violence in her homeland of Papua New Guinea. She emphasizes the urgent need for stronger legislation to protect victims and ensure justice for those affected by such violence.
In Papua New Guinea, those accused of sorcery often face brutal assaults, torture, or even death; survivors are frequently ostracized from their communities. Kunda shared with RNZ that these survivors are being neglected by authorities in the Pacific region.
She expressed her sorrow over the impact of these violent acts on the children of the victims, highlighting a disturbing trend where children are labeled as “sorcery kids,” facing social stigma and isolation. Kunda pointed out that sorcery accusations are often exploited by thieves seeking to seize property, businesses, or land, with women making up a significant portion of the targets.
During a meeting with Papua New Guinean MPs in October 2023, it was revealed that incidents of gender-based and sorcery-related violence are much more widespread than previously recognized. Governor Powes Parkop of Port Moresby underscored the call for increased action, noting the troubling statistics on sorcery accusation related violence (SARV), even as the exact number of victims remains unclear.
Research from the Australian think tank Devpolicy indicated in 2021 that estimates of SARV occurrences in Papua New Guinea’s other provinces are difficult to ascertain, and while some cases go to court, over 98% do not receive any legal proceedings.
Kunda reported that in many instances, those perpetrating sorcery-related violence outnumber law enforcement, who often only stand by. She advocates for the establishment of stricter laws that must extend into rural communities to curb the violence.
In Goroka, Kunda offers assistance to anyone in need, welcoming victims into her home at any hour, particularly if their lives are in jeopardy.
This year, the Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival features a documentary highlighting Kunda and her advocacy work. She believes it is essential for the international community to be informed about the injustices facing innocent people in Papua New Guinea.
Additionally, an exhibition showcasing photographs documenting sorcery-related violence in Papua New Guinea is currently on display in Porirua, Wellington. Kunda is part of a network of human rights defenders working to support those accused of sorcery in her country.