ON this first International Day Against Sorcery Accusation Violence Bishop Donald Lippert of Mendi Catholic Diocese in Southern Highlands Province has kick started a campaign to fight sorcery accusations in Papua New Guinea.

In referencing the recent brutal torture and murder of young Jenelyn Kennedy, Bishop Lippert said Jenelyn’s death shone a light spotlight on the problem of violence against women in PNG.

He said the atrocity of the torture and killing of women and sometimes men, accused of sorcery continues with impunity in PNG.

Recently in Milne Bay Province a woman was hacked to death with a tramontina machete by a group of young man. The men leaders who went to get help in Alotau were not able to help because they did not have the means to get the police to help.

In Kimbe, West New Britain a man was rushed to the hospital with a badly burnt body. In Enga Province a group of women and children going to a church fellowship were ambushed and killed.

The youngest suspect was a 6-year-old in 2017.

These events have raised alarm bells but little has been done to help curb the situation.

In his statement to Agenzia Fides, Bishop Lippert is calling on Papua New Guineans to stop and observe this day.

He said, “those who torture and kill women accused of sorcery are clearly guilty of the crime they are reporting.”

 Among the activities he is suggesting for the day is reconciliation ceremonies.

Last week two women received compensation payments from their accusers. Will this end the violence related to sorcery?

He is also inviting people to recommit to Christ who is the way, the truth and the Life. People must respect all stages of life and remember the victims and support  them.

Sorcery related violence has claimed the lives of many innocent people mainly women.

Banners and placards were raised in Mendi on Monday this week with messages to stop sorcery accusation violence.

Bishop Lippert says now is the time to stop these crimes against humanity that are occurring in our communities.

By Rosa Koian