Combatting violence in Papua New Guinea

Posted on 19 July 2023

A news story published by three researchers on Dev Policy Blog has discussed the high levels of violence currently occurring in Papua New Guinea, and offers an analysis of how to effectively curb the problem.
 
The article speaks to the current issue of tribal and gang fighting in PNG’s highland provinces, much of it since the July 2022 election, with a recent example being the kidnapping of a group of girls in Hela.
 
It is suggested that the knowledge and engagement of local leaders and communities is crucial in peacebuilding in the nation. There also needs to be an understanding the cycles of violence - described as “intractable, widespread and repeated” – to manage it most effectively.