Govt urged to ‘take real action’

Human rights defenders have called on the Government to take action in addressing sorcery accusation-related violence (Sarv) in the country.
Anton Lutz, a Lutheran missionary and an advocate against Sarv who had helped rescued many survivors in the Highlands, said that it was time real action was taken in addressing the issue. Lutz made the call after nine women in Enga’s Lakolam village were rounded up by a mob following the death of businessman Jacob Luke and tortured. Four died during torture.
“I’d like to know what the government intends to do about this,” Lutz said.
“There is lack of staff, funding, and no public campaigns and awareness on Sarv.
“What about other Papua New Guineans, what are their views on Sarv?
“Or are they ashamed of speaking about Sarv?
“So everyone just acts like it doesn’t happen and turn a blind eye?”
Lutz said whilst he believed that these women needed justice, he would want them to be able to live safely, raise their children and their grandchildren.
“Is that asking too much?” he asked.
Dickson Tanda, a human rights defender in Enga also supported Lutz’s call saying that the Government under Prime Minister James Marape should address Sarv.
“Enough talk and start taking action, women that are tortured are Papua New Guineans, many have died, many families and many homes have been broken because of Sarv,” Tanda said.
“Children are living with the psychological effects of watching their mothers being burnt.
“They will grow up with the stigma of being branded as a ‘sanguma’s child’.
“We need to understand that Sarv doesn’t affect women only, Sarv destroys families and homes,” he said.