News & Updates

Responsible reporting on SARV

Melanesian Institute statement

“Massive respect to TVWAN for choosing to broadcast images of law enforcement taking control and capturing SARV perpetrators, rather than recycling the horrific, dehumanizing photos of tortured victims and survivors.”

“For too long, social media has inadvertently stripped victims of their dignity by broadcasting their pain. TVWAN is showing us exactly how to shift the narrative: focus the lens on accountability, honour the dignity of our people, and show the world that these violent acts carry real, swift consequences.”

The statement followed reporting that fifteen men had been arrested in the remote Karamui District of Simbu Province, after a major police operation targeting those allegedly involved in sorcery accusation-related violence and murder.

Community Curriculum: first organisations complete SARV training

St. Christopher Alive Association leads a growing list

The Melanesian Institute and its development partners — UNFPA, KOICA and Divine Word University — congratulated the St. Christopher Alive Association of Simbu Province on becoming the first organisation to complete the seven-week SARV Community Curriculum Implementation Training, delivered across 12 locations in Simbu with approximately 240 local participants.

The Maunkui Inter-Agri Resource Center in Mata Village, Sinesine Yongomugl, followed as the second organisation to complete the training, with the ELCPNG Chimbu District Team, the Nazarene Chimbu District Team, the Goroka Catholic Diocese Team and the Foursquare Gospel Church team completing soon after.

The Institute extended its encouragement to the remaining implementation teams in Simbu, Southern Highlands, Hela, Enga and Eastern Highlands provinces as they wind down their respective SARV Community Curriculum trainings.

The program is a collaborative effort of local communities, churches and local CBOs with the Melanesian Institute, fully supported by UNFPA and KOICA in strategic partnership with Divine Word University.

From awareness to action in the Archdiocese of Madang

Institutionalising SARV prevention

Under the pastoral leadership of Archbishop Anton Bal, staff, clergy and lay leaders of the Archdiocese of Madang gathered for an institutional in-service focused on moving beyond awareness to rooting social justice, human dignity and the prevention of Sorcery Accusation Related Violence into the fabric of diocesan institutions.

Community leaders trained across five Madang districts

Community leaders, church workers and volunteers from five districts in Madang Province completed a three-day training to help address Sorcery Accusation Related Violence, gender-based violence and substance abuse in their communities.

Reported by NBC News PNG.

Empowered to serve better

SSpS Sisters reflect on faith, finance and social accountability

Religious community leaders of the SSpS Sisters in the PNG Region held a collective reflection on the intersection of faith, finance and social accountability — exploring how to weave Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation into daily missionary work.

Led by Sister Arnolda Kavanamur, Sister Mely Kolin and Sr. Paulidya.

“Outward service to our neighbours through church and community programs is only half the journey. To truly make an impact, we must continuously empower our own religious community from within.”

Plain-language booklets on government policy endorsed

Government agencies, church partners and stakeholders came together to endorse a series of booklets explaining government policies in simple terms.

Supported through the PNG-Australia Partnership, the booklets are designed to help people in communities better understand health and education policies and the services they can expect.

2nd Subnational Leaders Meeting

Forum on Sorcery Accusation Related Violence and Gender-Based Violence

Goroka — A multi-stakeholder forum at the Melanesian Institute headquarters brought together Eastern Highlands Provincial Government representatives, church leaders, and community sector partners to discuss progress on SARV across the Highlands.

Human rights activist and missionary Anton Lutz presented updates on SARV and GBV programs in Enga Province, highlighting a Wapenamanda trial where surveys showed “96 per cent of respondents already understood that violent acts — including torture, murder and arson — are illegal.” Lutz: “People may not know the exact sections of the Criminal Code, but they clearly understand that this kind of violence is against the law.”

Judy Gellia, Characters Coordinator for Kundiawa Diocese, reported more men in Chimbu publicly speaking out against sorcery accusations: “Women feel comforted knowing men are standing with them.”

Director Bro. Martin Tnines confirmed collaboration with seven member churches and reported no recorded cases of sorcery-accusation violence in 2025 within communities reached by the Institute’s Enga programs.

Launching of the Melanesian Institute’s New Website

The Institute announced the launch of its new website to boost community engagement and visibility. Stakeholders including community advocates, CSOs, government officials, and church leaders were invited.

Bishop Paul Sundu DD expressed gratitude for the Australian Government’s support through the PNG-Australia partnership Building Community Engagement in PNG Program, addressing SARV and GBV.

The website functions as a resource hub on programs, research, publications, and educational events.

Empowering Change in Education

A Comprehensive Workshop on Preventing SARV

Goroka — A three-day workshop on addressing SARV in educational settings concluded at the Melanesian Institute. It engaged 35 participants, mainly educators from five church-affiliated systems: Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran, Seventh-day Adventist, Nazarene, and Lutheran Good News.

National Department of Education representatives emphasised collaboration. Organised in partnership with UNFPA. New tools were introduced, including the “Peter and Grace – Make-a-Difference” manual for teachers.

Cultural Orientation Course in the Diocese of Daru-Kiunga

Boosting missionary outreach in Western Province

Daru-Kiunga — The Catholic Diocese hosted a two-day Cultural Orientation Course on 11–12 November at the Peter Torot Formation Center, facilitated by the Melanesian Institute.

The Diocese oversees 30 schools, a teacher college, 19 healthcare facilities, and various parish ministries. One attendee: “This training has opened my eyes to the rich cultural dynamics of the communities we serve.”

Bougainville Forum 2025

Developing a Strategic Action Plan for SARV

Arawa, Bougainville — Around 90 participants convened to discuss SARV and community action planning, led by local leader Dennis Kuiai.

Supported by the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Australian Government through the Australia PNG Law and Justice Partnership. South, Central and North regional dialogues covered awareness, training, youth engagement, and root causes, concluding with a commitment to a strategic action plan.

First Training of Trainers in Simbu Province

Kundiawa workshop addresses community challenges

The Catholic Diocese of Kundiawa, with the local Coalition for Change, ran a workshop on SARV, GBV, and substance abuse — part of the Building Community Engagement in PNG Program, supported by the Melanesian Institute and The Voice Inc.

Bishop Sundu opened the workshop. Facilitators Sr. Arnolda Kavanamur and Fr. Vincent Wasaring led discussions using the “See, Judge, Act” framework. Dr. Fr. Jan Jaworski and Sr. Lorena of House of Hope shared intervention narratives.

UNFPA Regional Director Pio Smith at the Melanesian Institute

Addressing SARV through community education

Mr. Pio Smith, UNFPA Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Saira Shameem, Country Representative, and specialists joined provincial officials, church leaders, and advocates in Goroka.

Discussion focused on UNFPA community programs addressing SARV and its links to gender-based violence and substance abuse across the Highlands and the coastal provinces of Madang and Morobe.

Vivat International addresses sorcery-related violence at the UN Human Rights Council

Research in Enga, Simbu, and Eastern Highlands shows SARV disproportionately affects women, children, the elderly, and survivors without family support.

VIVAT International and the Melanesian Institute called on the PNG government to update national health policy to provide free treatment and medical reports for survivors; establish dedicated SARV safe houses in high-risk provinces; integrate SARV into national health data systems; recruit and train specialist trauma counsellors; screen health worker applicants for discriminatory beliefs; develop written SARV response policies in health facilities; strengthen church-state collaboration; raise awareness of biomedical causes of death; and support education and reintegration for orphaned and displaced children.

150 Years of Service in the World

The legacy of the Divine Word Missionaries in Papua New Guinea

The Divine Word Missionaries commemorate 150 years of service, begun with St. Arnold Janssen in 1875. Today the congregation has over 5,700 members in 79 countries.

The SVD first entered Papua New Guinea on 13 August 1896 at Alexishafen, Madang, expanding to Aitape, Wewak, Monumbo and Bogia, with headquarters at Alexishafen from 1905, and reaching the Highlands in 1933. Today around 31 Papua New Guinean priests and brothers serve. Divine Word University and the Melanesian Institute stand as pillars of educational excellence.

Transformative workshop addresses SARV and GBV in Madang

The Archdiocese of Madang, with Diocesan Caritas and the Grassroots Community Advocacy Sumkar Team, hosted a week-long workshop at the Migiar Pastoral Center.

Forty-eight representatives attended from parishes in Madang, Bogia, Sumkar and Usino Bundi, alongside the Foursquare Church, Village Court Magistrates, and the Community Policing Unit. Backed by the Center of Hope Safe House and the Melanesian Institute. Commendations to Fr. Eugene Grengary, Sr. Techla, and Mr. Leo Yat.

Pundibasa Primary School, Yonki, Kainantu District

Community initiative to address sorcery beliefs

A program implemented by the Melanesian Institute with law enforcement, educational institutions, religious organisations, and local leaders, with workshops in the Kainantu and Goroka districts.

The initiative coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 50th independence anniversary and a UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review. It uses community forums, educational campaigns, and workshops to build evidence-based thinking.

Empowering Change: SARV training in Bougainville

The Melanesian Institute conducted SARV training at the Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation, Bougainville, for safe-house staff and volunteers.

Theme: “From Fear to Understanding: Equipping Hearts and Hands to Respond to SARV with Compassion, Courage, and Justice.” Thirty-five participants attended, including SARV survivors and the Sisters of Nazareth. Facilitated by Sr. Arnolda, with guest speaker Cecelia, a healthcare officer, urging medical reports before accusations are made. The training developed a referral pathway for the Nazareth Centre.

The community curriculum addressing SARV

Wapenamanda District — A community curriculum combating SARV, led by Divine Word University with the Department of Justice, UNFPA, and KOICA, ran as a seven-week program.

On 30 July 2025, around 300 attendees celebrated the graduation of 40 community leaders, the first cohort piloted in Enga. The curriculum comprises 62 interactive sessions on the theme “ol giaman stori nabaut” — false stories with terrible consequences.

Program coordinator Anton Lutz: “The event symbolizes a powerful commitment to change and a shared belief in our capacity to eradicate SARV.” One participant: “Ending SARV is within our reach. With trust, patience, and knowledge, we can dispel fear and violence.”

Engagement with the community in Madang Province

Madang faces rising sorcery-accusation violence affecting women and the elderly. The State v Kakiwi & Ors concerned seven deaths and resulted in life sentences for 89 men, with eight facing the death penalty.

The Melanesian Institute works with the Catholic Archdiocese of Madang and other stakeholders to educate communities on the repeal of the Sorcery Act and the new Criminal Code framework, running awareness programs in the Sumkar, Bogia, and Madang districts.

Challenges include rugged terrain, a culture of silence, and village court officers’ limited legal understanding.

Strengthening the pulse of grassroots advocacy

Signing of MOU in Port Moresby with The Voice Inc.

The Voice Inc Executive Director Ms Maliwan Sasingian: “The Voice Inc is partnering with the Melanesian Institute to do this important work … one of the biggest issues in our country … is sorcery-related accusation violence.”

The Institute’s Executive Director spoke on its advocacy, awareness and training approach with community and church leaders, women, and youth, emphasising collaboration with government agencies, CSOs, churches, victims and survivors, and referencing a Goroka workshop establishing a SARV mechanism for the Highlands and Momase regions.

He stressed the church’s role in preaching that “sorcery accusations and related violence is evil,” framing the Institute’s work as “advocating for life, educating for life, promoting the dignity of life and humanity.”

Church leaders meet in Goroka

Leaders from the Evangelical Alliance PNG, the Pastors Fraternity of Eastern Highlands Province, and the Body of Christ from Simbu gathered at the Melanesian Institute for a workshop on church advocacy against SARV, with CSO partners and advocates — framed around Papua New Guinea’s 50th independence anniversary.

Reconciliation in Kerowagi, Simbu Province

Communities in the Gena area of Kerowagi District gathered at Kendene Catholic Parish to address conflict, sorcery beliefs, and retribution — covering SARV, election-related violence, and substance abuse.

Attendees included Kerowagi MP Hon. Francis Kikin Siune, the District Administrator, Dagle Tribal Leader John Siune, Simbu Catholic Education and Health Services, and the Kundiawa Diocese, represented by Vicar General Fr. John Bige and Diocesan Caritas Coordinator Judy Gelua, alongside youth and the St. Christopher Alive Association.

Initiated by Kendene Parish and led by SCAA Chairman Fr. Christopher Onguglo. Mr. Boi Siune, President of Gena Waugla LLG: “You have opened the gate to prosperity for our people…” SCAA Program Director Jack Maima thanked the Melanesian Institute, The Voice Inc., and the Catholic Diocese of Kundiawa.

Training of Trainers continues into Madang Province

Community leaders unite for justice advocacy training

The Catholic Archdiocese of Madang hosted a four-day grassroots justice advocacy training at the Divine Word Conference Centre, Madang, in partnership with the Melanesian Institute and supported by the Australian Government through the Australia PNG Law and Justice Partnership.

The training covered gender-based violence, substance abuse, the silence around SARV, government policies and criminal laws, Melanesian values and church teachings, the Glassman Act 2022, and the mapping of local social services for survivor support.

Melanesian Institute researchers begin study on SARV related issues

A week-long fact-finding mission in Simbu Province

Researchers from the Melanesian Institute in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, embarked on a week-long fact-finding mission on Sorcery Accusation Related Violence issues in Simbu Province, conducting in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and collecting data on how churches help to treat people who suffer from SARV.

The team held its first interview at St Joseph Mingende Rural Hospital, a church-run hospital in the Kerowagi district, with the administration team, the hospital chaplain, priests and nurses, and then with SARV survivors and ancillary staff — including the Family Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU) of the Kerowagi police. Further interviews were carried out with the FSVU of the Kundiawa police and the Family Support Centre of Simbu Province.

The interviews focused on identifying potential collaboration with churches in addressing SARV. Sr Erikeve, Acting Manageress of Catholic Health Services in Simbu Province and Mingende Rural Hospital, pointed out that SARV is a sensitive issue in the province and that the hospital faces considerable challenges in addressing it while attending to SARV patients.

The research continued with an in-depth interview with Caritas Co-ordinator Judy Gelua, an advocate and respondent for SARV survivors in the province. Another advocate against SARV is Fr Jan Jaworski of the Simbu Provincial Health Authority, who — with the assistance of Sr Lorraina from Mendi diocese — provides a safe house, care and rehabilitation services to help SARV survivors reintegrate into their communities. Ms Gelua and Fr Jaworski arranged for the research team to conduct in-depth interviews with SARV survivors in Mingende and Kundiawa respectively.

The Bishop of Kundiawa Diocese, Paul Sundu, affirmed that SARV is a very sensitive issue in the province and that the diocese is working on a plan to address it. He noted that the diocese had recently established a legal help desk purposely for SARV cases alone, with a lawyer from The Voice Inc. already stationed at the diocese.

This fieldwork became the foundation of the Institute’s research into the role of healthcare in tackling SARV.