UN condemns sorcery killings

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Friday 12th April, 2013

 THE United Nations (UN) is deeply disturbed by the increasing reports of violence, torture and murder of persons accused of practicing sorcery around the country.

UN agencies functioning in Papua New Guinea said in a joint statement yesterday that they condemned and demanded an end to extra-judicial killings related to accusations of sorcery in PNG.

“These vigilante killings constitute murder and must not be treated with impunity,” their statement said.

“Thorough and fair investigations of such actions should be conducted and perpetrators tried in court accordingly.

“This week another horrific case was reported in the Bana district of South Bougainville on the kidnapping and torture of two women accused of sorcery which led to the eventual murder by beheading of one of the women. 

“This case adds to the increase of reports of extra-judicial torture and killings of both men and women, especially elderly women, accused of sorcery.

“This year alone cases have been reported in the Highlands, Madang and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, thus it is an issue of national concern. 

“These reports raise grave concern that accusations of sorcery are used to justify arbitrary and inhumane acts of violence. 

“The UN strongly advocates that cultural and traditional beliefs can never be used to justify the murder, torture or brutal attack against another person. 

“All criminal cases should be pursued through the judicial system.” 

The UN bodies renewed their call for the government to repeal the Sorcery Act 1971 to promote and support the prosecution of sorcery cases through the judicial system. 

“The provision of protection to victims of sorcery-related violence must also be increased as a matter of urgency,” they said.