Push made to stop the torture

By MARJORIE FINKEO
IT is time to stop the torture and killing of individuals, mostly vulnerable women, on false accusations of sorcery, says the PNG Tribal Foundation director Ruth Kassam.
“There must be a zero tolerance for this barbaric activity and there must be leadership to end it.”
She made the call in line with what the foundation is doing in developing a programme called ‘Village of Hope’ to support women and children who are refugees in their homes because of sorcery and domestic violence.
Kassam said the Village of Hope will provide a centre for victims affected by domestic violence, sorcery related violence and killing who have left their homes because of fear.
The Village of Hope will provide respite, rehabilitation and repatriate these individuals.
According to a report, sorcery accusation related violence needs the commitment of many people involving both government and civil societies.
She said the work needs assistance, enforcement of existing laws, provide resources by government and educate leaders, police and the judiciary to enforce them.
Kassam said the Tribal foundation being invited to the United Nations to talk about human rights challenges in Papua New Guinea gave it the opportunity to highlight the work that “we do in the dark space of sorcery-related violence”.
“Much of the success we have gained is due to the important partnerships we have with community based organizations and human rights defenders,” she said.
Foundation president GT Bustin said the good news was that this was an area where the foundation could make a difference.
“Falsely accusing someone of sorcery and then torturing them in these modern times is completely unacceptable and the issue is everyone’s problem,” he said.