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By ALISON ANIS
PAPUA New Guinea will be represented during the global consultation on
an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) which is scheduled to take place at the
United Nations First Meetings in New York later this month.
A young woman and survivor of gun violence in PNG will join other
survivors of gun violence from around the world to present their views,
share their experiences and push for their governments to introduce
tougher international arms control.
Vavine Gabi, from Gabagaba, Central province, was a survivor of a
roadside robbery near Port Moresby in 1999, which tragically ended her
mother’s life.
When telling her story at a press conference in Boroko yesterday, Vavine
said she was forced to watch her mother gunned down by armed criminals
after they robbed them of everything.
“I can still remember it clearly as if it only happened yesterday but
talking about it has helped me live through this traumatic experience,”
Vavine said, adding that the only form of counselling she received was
from her local church.
She said she was happy for the opportunity to represent PNG in the event
that would coincide with the United Nation’s First Meetings and was
looking forward to see how they could address the problem at the
international level.
“I am doing this for my mother and many others who were victims and will
also be representing a growing number of people and organisations who
are expressing concern at the proliferation of firearms in our region
and its violent use, especially in our country.”
The trip was supported by Control Arms Partners, the Coalition to Stop
Gun Violence (PNG), Oxfam PNG and the International Action Network on
Small Arms.
 
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