Hela quake survivors ‘victimised’

THE Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee is calling on the authorities in Hela to establish mechanisms to stop the victimisation of earthquake survivors.
The safety and welfare of women and children, who have been displaced or are homeless due to the earthquake and tribal fighting is great concern, the committee said.
It “is appealing to community leaders, tribal leaders and individuals, including men in Tari, to put an end to the fighting and pursue conflict resolution so that much-needed humanitarian support and government assistance can continue into the province”.
According to reports, displaced women and children have been traumatised by the earthquake and its aftermath.
“They have been greatly affected and have become further displaced after tribal fights erupted in parts of Tari,” FSVAC national coordinator Marcia Kalinoe said.
“Most people have suffered losses of loved ones, homes, gardens, livestock and other properties and especially for women and children, they are in constant fear and anxiety of having to lose their lives or suffer serious harm like physical and sexual violence.”