According to the United Nations, there have been attacks on several villages in Papua New Guinea – apparently with at least 26 deaths, including numerous children. The UN Human Rights Commissioner Türk expressed his horror.
According to the United Nations (UN), 26 people are believed to have died in violent attacks on three remote villages in northern Papua New Guinea, including 16 children. “I am appalled by the shocking outbreak of deadly violence in Papua New Guinea,” said UN human rights commissioner Volker Türk. The background to the conflict is apparently disputes over land and sea ownership and rights of use.
The death toll could rise to over 50 as authorities search for missing people. Many residents were also forced to flee after attackers set fire to their homes. The attacks occurred on July 16 and 18 in East Sepik province.
Papua New Guinea with the capital Port Moresby
Long history of tribal wars
The Pacific nation north of Australia has a long history of tribal warfare. But violence has increased over the past decade as villagers traded bows and arrows for military rifles and elections exacerbated existing tribal conflicts. In May, eight people were killed and 30 houses burned in fighting in Enga province. In February, at least 26 men died in an ambush in the same region.
