OPPOSITION Leader James Nomane, MP and Member for Chuave, has renewed calls for decisive national action against Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV), describing it as a humanitarian crisis that demands urgent leadership and enforcement.
Hon. Nomane made the remarks while attending the “Fighting the Wildfire: Highlands Communities Against SARV” workshop held at Bird of Paradise Hotel in Goroka. The workshop brought together frontline advocates from across the Highlands region, who formally launched reports documenting firsthand community experiences in confronting SARV.
Upon receiving the reports, Hon. Nomane committed to escalating their findings to the Prime Minister and the National Government, stressing that the situation requires immediate and decisive intervention.
He acknowledged that accusations of sorcery and witchcraft-related violence are not unique to Papua New Guinea, drawing parallels to historical events such as the Salem witch hunts of 1692 in the United States and similar practices in medieval Europe. However, he noted that those atrocities were eventually brought to an end through strong laws, clear leadership, adequate funding, and firm enforcement.
Hon. Nomane urged the PNG Government to take SARV seriously by demonstrating strong political will and fully enforcing existing laws, warning that failure to act decisively would allow the violence to continue devastating families and communities.
“The lessons of history show that this kind of violence can be stopped,” he said, emphasizing that with firm leadership and enforcement, SARV can be permanently eradicated in Papua New Guinea.