UN calls for measures to address tribal violence in Papua New Guinea

We urge the Government of Papua New Guinea to effectively address escalating tribal violence and to engage with provincial and local leaders in a dialogue to achieve durable peace and respect for human rights in the Highlands region. In the latest outbreak of violence, at least 26 people were killed on Sunday in Enga Province.

Conflicts among 17 tribal groups have progressively escalated since elections in 2022 over a range of issues including land disputes and clan rivalries. The clashes have increasingly turned deadly due to a proliferation of firearms and ammunition in the region. We call on the Government to ensure the surrender of all arms, particularly mass-produced firearms.

The Government must take immediate measures to address the root causes of the violence, and work toward tribal reconciliation. The Highland communities, particularly women and girls, must be protected, and further harm to them prevented.