Take proactive approach

Belief in sorcery has traditionally been a salient feature of Papua New Guinea.
Sorcery-related torture and killing has burgeoned recently in PNG, drawing local and international attention.
Government need to be more focused on using power and rights-based approaches in resolving the conflict.
Whilst these two methods are workable, the danger is that the results may be temporary.
Therefore, the Government should take a more-proactive approach.
It should collaborate with all stakeholders to establish an amicable solution.
Unless the people are empowered and transformed, this is an attitude problem constructed and crafted by cultural and traditional practices and beliefs, thus, there is possibility that this issue will perpetuate.
Collaboration is the way forward to addressing this issue.
Participation is inclusive and voluntary, thus, participants (local people) will take ownership of the process as they will be kept informed.
The participants will help educate each other about the issue and how it is affecting them, leading to development of multiple options.
Thus, decisions made will be by consensus, and will allow participants to oversee its implementation.
Social problems are created by people.
Emphasis should be on transformation rather than deterrence, because the real solution remains with the perpetrators and those with similar attitudes and ways of thinking. Lasting solution is imminent only of those deemed responsible are transformed.
The Government must use its statutory power and force to some extent to minimise the situation.
This is because sorcery-related tortures and killings are burgeoning malignantly.
It has a responsibility to protect its citizens.
The laws are already in place so the perpetrators of barbaric tortures and murders must be brought to justice.
Law enforcement is weak and ineffective.
The right-based approach is appropriate because the core issue is criminal in nature.
The judicial system is already in place, thus, the police force needs to set up and bring perpetrators to face the full brunt of law.
For a long lasting solution, collaborative approach still remain the best way forward because it will promote win-win situation for all stakeholders.
Collaboration does not mean they must like, approve of, or agree with each other; but it does require that they recognise minimal common needs and purposes, and accept, if only pragmatic.
Communities must be given the opportunity to take ownership of the problem through collaboration.
Programmes should be designed and funded by the Government, such as through the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.
There must be development of peace-building and conflict-reduction programmes using effective tools such as participatory rural appraisal.
The people will use the opportunity to explore their own situation, develop criteria of risks and determine local situations.
They will be able to better understand the consequences, identify and agree on nature of conflicting violence and common triggers.

Fenebe Ibusubu
Port Moresby