PNG Tribal Foundation, a foundation committed in the fight to end Gender Based Violence and Sorcery Accusation Violence in the country has urged the Government to put more effort in the prosecution of perpetrators as one of the effective measures of reducing the growing number of GBV related cases in the country.
Foundation President, Garry Bustin in a joint media conference with the Special Parliamentary Committee on Gender Based Violence has expressed his concern and the need to address the spike in GBV related issues which has been there for ages.
Mr Bustin made his remarks following an announcement by the Special Parliamentary Committee on Gender Based Violence on the Inquiry to address GBV related issues in the country.
Speaking to the media last Friday, Bustin shared some of his experiences dealing with survivors of sorcery related accusation.
He said many of these survivors and families of those who had passed on has plea for justice and is still waiting while living in fear. However, to date no tougher action has been done.
“We have pictures of the perpetrators, we know who committed the crime and when violence has been done.
“We have brought the evidence to the police and to the entire Justice department. However, none of these perpetrators have been brought to justice.
“In the village, the perpetrators walk away freely with the attitude that nothing can or will be done to prosecute and punish them for their actions, and these has continued to become a norm.
“I am calling on the government and the appropriate authorities to stop talking and do what has to be done to address the issue.”
The Foundation has been active for eight years and has continue to support various campaigns carried out by international, private and government bodies in the fight against GBV and sorcery accusation violence as well as forms of violence in PNG.
Mr Bustin will also be one of the presenters of the upcoming Inquiry which will eventuate on May 24-25 in Port Moresby.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Private Parliamentary Committee on GBV and Member for Alotau, Charles Abel who will be leading the Inquiry also shared the same sentiments as Mr Bustin, supporting the need for prosecution and tougher penalties for the perpetrators of GBV and other related violence.