At least 26 people, including 16 children, were killed in attacks on three Papua New Guinea villages last week. The UN warns the death toll could surpass 50.

"I am shocked by the deadly violence in Papua New Guinea, apparently as the result of a dispute over land and lake ownership and user rights," UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement on Wednesday (July 24).

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Turk said the attacks on the villages in East Sepik province on July 16 and 18 had also seen over 200 villagers escape as their homes were torched.

The UN high commissioner urged PNG authorities to conduct prompt, fair, and open investigations and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"It is also very important that victims and their families receive compensations, including adequate housing, effective protection against further attacks and necessary psychosocial support," Turk added.

He also urged authorities "to work and with the affected communities to address the root causes of the disputes in order to prevent recurrence of further violence".

His remarks reiterated a previous plea from his office in February for PNG to tackle the underlying causes of growing tribal conflict. This call came after a particularly brutal clash between rival tribes left dozens dead.

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It may be mentioned here, conflicts among 17 tribal groups had&nbsp;escalated since elections in 2022, over issues including land disputes and clan rivalries, spokesman Jeremy Laurence had said earlier.

People have fought each other in Papua New Guinea for centuries, but an influx of mercenaries and automatic weapons has inflamed the cycle of violence.

At the same time, the country's population has more than doubled since 1980, placing increasing strain on land and resources, and stoking deepening tribal rivalries.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 26 people, including 16 children, were killed in attacks on three Papua New Guinea villages last week. The UN warns the death toll could surpass 50. "I am shocked by the deadly violence in Papua New Guinea, apparently as the result of a dispute over land and lake ownership and user rights," UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement on Wednesday (July 24).

At least 26 people, including 16 children, were killed in attacks on three Papua New Guinea villages last week. The UN warns the death toll could surpass 50. "I am shocked by the deadly violence in Papua New Guinea, apparently as the result of a dispute over land and lake ownership and user rights," UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement on Wednesday (July 24). Also read: Biden endorses Kamala Harris, slams Trump in his final Oval Office address Turk said the attacks on the villages in East Sepik province on July 16 and 18 had also seen over 200 villagers escape as their homes were torched. The UN high commissioner urged PNG authorities to conduct prompt, fair, and open investigations and to bring the perpetrators to justice. "It is also very important that victims and their families receive compensations, including adequate housing, effective protection against further attacks and necessary psychosocial support," Turk added. He also urged authorities "to work and with the affected communities to address the root causes of the disputes in order to prevent recurrence of further violence". His remarks reiterated a previous plea from his office in February for PNG to tackle the underlying causes of growing tribal conflict. This call came after a particularly brutal clash between rival tribes left dozens dead. Also read: Netanyahu tells joint session of US Congress Israel 'will win' Gaza war It may be mentioned here, conflicts among 17 tribal groups had escalated since elections in 2022, over issues including land disputes and clan rivalries, spokesman Jeremy Laurence had said earlier. People have fought each other in Papua New Guinea for centuries, but an influx of mercenaries and automatic weapons has inflamed the cycle of violence. At the same time, the country's population has more than doubled since 1980, placing increasing strain on land and resources, and stoking deepening tribal rivalries. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 26 killed, mostly children, in Papua New Guinea village attacks: UN

More than 100 people have been estimated to be killed in a landslide in Papua New Guinea on Friday (May 24). A report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) said that the landslide hit Kaokalam Village in Enga Province at around 3 am local time.

More than 100 people have been estimated to be killed in a landslide in Papua New Guinea on Friday (May 24). A report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) said that the landslide hit Kaokalam Village in Enga Province at around 3 am local time. Residents said current estimates of the death toll sit above 100, but authorities have not confirmed this figure. It is also not yet known if emergency services visited the remote Kaokalam Village. 'Entire village went down' Speaking to ABC, Elizabeth Laruma, the president of the Porgera Women in Business Association, said the landslide occurred when people in Kaokalam were still asleep, and the entire village went down. "From what I can presume, it's about 100-plus people who are buried beneath the ground," Laruma said. A challenge to locate bodies The report also said that residents were finding it very difficult to locate the bodies. A person from Kaokalam who estimates at least four of his relatives were killed, told the network, "There are some huge stones and plants, trees. The buildings have collapsed." The person added that these things were making it hard to locate the bodies. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 100 people estimated to be killed in landslide in Papua New Guinea: Report

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape announced a 14-day state of emergency on Thursday (Jan 11) after 16 people were killed in riots. "Today we call for a state of emergency for 14 days in our nation's capital," Prime Minister Marape said, adding that over 1,000 troops were on standby to contain any situation that might arise in future.

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape announced a 14-day state of emergency on Thursday (Jan 11) after 16 people were killed in riots. "Today we call for a state of emergency for 14 days in our nation's capital," Prime Minister Marape said, adding that over 1,000 troops were on standby to contain any situation that might arise in future. Violence broke out in the capital city of Port Moresby on Wednesday after a group of soldiers, police officers and prison guards launched protests over unexplained deductions to their pay, the news agency AFP reported. Within hours, the violence spread to Lae, a city located about 300 kilometres to the north of Port Moresby. 16 dead, several injured in violence According to police commissioner David Manning, at least 15 people were killed in the unrest in Port Moresby and Lae. Citing official data, AFP reported that Port Moresby's largest hospital treated 30 people with gunshot wounds, and six other people were treated for "bush knife" lacerations. Also read: Papua New Guinea unrest: Govt asks military to restore order amid arson, looting in capital Videos showed looters in the capital city dashing into stores stuffing stolen goods into cardboard boxes, shopping trolleys and plastic buckets. City Pharmacy Limited, one of Papua New Guinea's largest retail chains, said prescription medicines had been stolen from its ransacked stores. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Port Moresby said that shots were fired near its compound as police tried to disperse groups of looters. China's foreign ministry complained to the Marape government after reports emerged that some of the rioters had targeted Chinese-owned businesses. 'Enough is enough' On Thursday, Prime Minister Marape conceded that security forces had a "genuine cause of concern", and his government swiftly promised to fix what it described as a payroll "glitch." However, Marape warned that "lawlessness and recklessness" would not be tolerated. "This is not the first time members of our disciplinary forces have gone rogue," the prime minister told reporters, referencing a 2018 pay dispute that ended with security staff smashing up parliament. "I want to indicate to our country enough is enough. Enough is enough," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Papua New Guinea declares 14-day state of emergency after 16 killed in riots

The government in Papua New Guinea, on Wednesday (Jan 10) asked the military to restore order in the capital amid violence that broke out after police went on strike over pay leading to protests and unrest. A mob of people reportedly attacked shops and businesses and even torched a police car outside the prime minister’s office.

<h2>‘Deadly protests’</h2>

On Wednesday morning, soldiers, police officers and prison staff staged a protest in the PNG capital city of Port Moresby after noticing their pay had been docked without explanation.&nbsp;

However, as the day progressed, parts of the capital began witnessing unrest. AFP citing videos from social media reported that crowds were seen looting shops while the police scrambled to restore order.&nbsp;

“It’s unfortunate that the situation has turned out this way, so uncalled for,” said police commissioner David Manning. He added, “But we are doing all we can to control the situation in the city.”

Extra police were being moved into Port Moresby from regional areas, said Manning in a statement.&nbsp;

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Speaking about the unrest in the capital, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop said in a broadcast on radio station FM100 that property in Port Moresby had been looted by “opportunists” after events “spiralled out of control.”

The extent of damage and casualties, if any, was not immediately clear but Parkop said, “Some people sadly lost their life today.” He added, “We have seen unprecedented level of strife in our city, something that has never happened before in the history of our city and our country.”&nbsp;

While it was the security forces that started the demonstrations, it was not clear if they were responsible for the violence that followed. An AFP correspondent said a mix of “police, soldiers and civilians” appeared to be involved.

Fires were seen burning across the city on Wednesday, and according to a report by PNG Post Courier newspaper firefighters had been threatened as they tried to do their jobs. The guard house at parliament had also reportedly been burnt.&nbsp;

The United States embassy said shots had been fired near its compound and advised its employees to shelter in place until further notice.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Australian High Commission said that it has stepped up security measures.

Paramedics were called to treat victims of shootings and an explosion amid a “significant emergency situation,” reported&nbsp;Australia’s 9News.&nbsp;

<h2>Govt deploys military personnel</h2>

The police had begun a strike on Wednesday morning after discovering a reduction in their pay packets which the government has attributed to an unintended glitch and has promised to fix promptly.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister James Marape appealed to the citizens to protect the city and said the National Executive Council had approved an order for defence forces to be called in to “restore order” in Port Moresby.&nbsp;

He added, “The police and public servant grievances are being addressed and by next pay the lost salary would be restored.” Marape also went on to blame “government payroll people” who he said failed to update the non-taxpaying threshold for public servants.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government in Papua New Guinea, on Wednesday (Jan 10) asked the military to restore order in the capital amid violence that broke out after police went on strike over pay leading to protests and unrest.

The government in Papua New Guinea, on Wednesday (Jan 10) asked the military to restore order in the capital amid violence that broke out after police went on strike over pay leading to protests and unrest. A mob of people reportedly attacked shops and businesses and even torched a police car outside the prime minister’s office. ‘Deadly protests’ On Wednesday morning, soldiers, police officers and prison staff staged a protest in the PNG capital city of Port Moresby after noticing their pay had been docked without explanation. However, as the day progressed, parts of the capital began witnessing unrest. AFP citing videos from social media reported that crowds were seen looting shops while the police scrambled to restore order. “It’s unfortunate that the situation has turned out this way, so uncalled for,” said police commissioner David Manning. He added, “But we are doing all we can to control the situation in the city.” Extra police were being moved into Port Moresby from regional areas, said Manning in a statement. ALSO READ | Germany resumes arms sales to Saudi Arabia, ending years-long ban Speaking about the unrest in the capital, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop said in a broadcast on radio station FM100 that property in Port Moresby had been looted by “opportunists” after events “spiralled out of control.” The extent of damage and casualties, if any, was not immediately clear but Parkop said, “Some people sadly lost their life today.” He added, “We have seen unprecedented level of strife in our city, something that has never happened before in the history of our city and our country.” While it was the security forces that started the demonstrations, it was not clear if they were responsible for the violence that followed. An AFP correspondent said a mix of “police, soldiers and civilians” appeared to be involved. Fires were seen burning across the city on Wednesday, and according to a report by PNG Post Courier newspaper firefighters had been threatened as they tried to do their jobs. The guard house at parliament had also reportedly been burnt. The United States embassy said shots had been fired near its compound and advised its employees to shelter in place until further notice. Meanwhile, the Australian High Commission said that it has stepped up security measures. Paramedics were called to treat victims of shootings and an explosion amid a “significant emergency situation,” reported Australia’s 9News. Govt deploys military personnel The police had begun a strike on Wednesday morning after discovering a reduction in their pay packets which the government has attributed to an unintended glitch and has promised to fix promptly. ALSO READ | Papua New Guinea PM thanks PM Modi for assistance in the aftermath of volcanic eruption Prime Minister James Marape appealed to the citizens to protect the city and said the National Executive Council had approved an order for defence forces to be called in to “restore order” in Port Moresby. He added, “The police and public servant grievances are being addressed and by next pay the lost salary would be restored.” Marape also went on to blame “government payroll people” who he said failed to update the non-taxpaying threshold for public servants. (With inputs from agencies)

Papua New Guinea unrest: Govt asks military to restore order amid arson, looting in capital

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape said on Thursday (May 18) that the country will sign a security pact with the US. The pact will give US troops access to the Pacific nation's ports and airports. The development has come amid Washington's attempts to jostle for influence in this region with China.

China is actively trying to woo island nations in the Pacific with an array of diplomatic and financial incentives in return for strategic support. US President Joe Biden has placed more importance on the region given the situation.

"We are elevating to a specific defence cooperation agreement, something that is falling short of a treaty," he told a press conference.

"We are moving ahead, we are signing with the best military on the face of planet Earth."

<h2>What are the pacts?</h2>

PM Marape said that the two agreements will focus on defence co-operation and maritime surveillance. The pact will be formally signed at the earliest after parliamentary approval.

These agreements can be renewed every 15 years. They will give the US vital manoeuvrability in Papua New Guinea's waters which are near to sea routes to Australia and Japan. US will in return will give access to satellite surveillance.

"It now gives us an opportune time to focus not just on maritime access but satellite access on... illegal activities on the high sea," Marape said.

Watch | China to host first in-person China-Central Asia Summit from 18 to 19 May

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A leaked draft version of the defence cooperation agreement showed American forces would have broad autonomy at some of the country's key entry points, but Marape said any access would have to be approved by his government.&nbsp;

"The ports, the infrastructure... will not in any way stand to be exclusively used by the military," he said.

"They would always be asking our defence to have access to our facilities."

<h2>The visit that almost happened</h2>

Biden was due for a historic first visit to most populous South Pacific nation next week. But he had to cancel the trip because of domestic debt ceiling crisis talks.

The White House said Biden called Marape from Air Force One on Thursday to inform him that Secretary of State Antony Blinken would instead attend the summit with Pacific leaders in Port Moresby on Monday.

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Biden invited Marape and other Pacific leaders to another summit in Washington later this year to carry on "discussions around enhancing US-Pacific cooperation", the White House said in a statement.&nbsp;

Washington is courting Pacific nations more intensely after the Solomon Islands became the unlikely epicentre of a diplomatic tussle between the United States and China last year when it signed a security pact with Beijing.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape said on Thursday (May 18) that the country will sign a security pact with the US. The pact will give US troops access to the Pacific nation's ports and airports.

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape said on Thursday (May 18) that the country will sign a security pact with the US. The pact will give US troops access to the Pacific nation's ports and airports. The development has come amid Washington's attempts to jostle for influence in this region with China. China is actively trying to woo island nations in the Pacific with an array of diplomatic and financial incentives in return for strategic support. US President Joe Biden has placed more importance on the region given the situation. "We are elevating to a specific defence cooperation agreement, something that is falling short of a treaty," he told a press conference. "We are moving ahead, we are signing with the best military on the face of planet Earth." What are the pacts? PM Marape said that the two agreements will focus on defence co-operation and maritime surveillance. The pact will be formally signed at the earliest after parliamentary approval. These agreements can be renewed every 15 years. They will give the US vital manoeuvrability in Papua New Guinea's waters which are near to sea routes to Australia and Japan. US will in return will give access to satellite surveillance. "It now gives us an opportune time to focus not just on maritime access but satellite access on... illegal activities on the high sea," Marape said. Watch | China to host first in-person China-Central Asia Summit from 18 to 19 May × A leaked draft version of the defence cooperation agreement showed American forces would have broad autonomy at some of the country's key entry points, but Marape said any access would have to be approved by his government. "The ports, the infrastructure... will not in any way stand to be exclusively used by the military," he said. "They would always be asking our defence to have access to our facilities." The visit that almost happened Biden was due for a historic first visit to most populous South Pacific nation next week. But he had to cancel the trip because of domestic debt ceiling crisis talks. The White House said Biden called Marape from Air Force One on Thursday to inform him that Secretary of State Antony Blinken would instead attend the summit with Pacific leaders in Port Moresby on Monday. Also Read | China warns Western embassies in Beijing over ‘propaganda’ displays: Reports Biden invited Marape and other Pacific leaders to another summit in Washington later this year to carry on "discussions around enhancing US-Pacific cooperation", the White House said in a statement. Washington is courting Pacific nations more intensely after the Solomon Islands became the unlikely epicentre of a diplomatic tussle between the United States and China last year when it signed a security pact with Beijing. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Amid US-China competition in Pacific, Papua New Guinea to sign pact with Washington

Airline passengers numbering in thousands were stranded across Papua New Guinea as commercial airlines grounded planes after the supply of jet fuel was stopped on the island nation.&nbsp;Puma Energy, Papua New Guinea's only fuel supplier, said the shortage in supply was due to a lack of foreign currency from the Central Bank of Papua New Guinea.

The foreign currency, among other things, is also used to buy fuel from international markets.

A report in The Guardian claimed that there was chaos at the country’s main domestic airport in Port Moresby. All major airlines cancelled their scheduled domestic flights earlier on Thursday.

Hundreds of passengers were turned away from Jacksons International Airport in the capital city. This prompted passengers to demand intervention from Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea’s largest airline, Air Niugini, released a statement on Wednesday, saying that all flights around the country would be cancelled because Puma Energy had suspended the supply of Jet A1 fuel to all airline companies.

“We have done everything possible to ensure that this situation did not occur and that we could continue to support the people of Papua New Guinea especially as they return from their Christmas holiday,” said Air Niugini. “The airline can assure all our customers that we are completely up to date with our payments to Puma Energy.”

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Air Niugini warned that international flights could also be cancelled if the country’s central bank failed to supply enough US dollars for the fuel supplier, Puma Energy, to buy jet fuel.

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Papua New Guinea’s difficult terrain and lack of interconnecting roads make air travel the most efficient means of travel. The two largest cities, Port Moresby and Lae, are only accessible&nbsp;by plane.

Papua New Guinea has only two major highways linking its interior highlands to the coast and three other highways linking smaller towns. There are no railroads and though there are shipping lines to transport cargo, there are no options for people to travel far on the sea.&nbsp;

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Airline passengers numbering in thousands were stranded across Papua New Guinea as commercial airlines grounded planes after the supply of jet fuel was stopped on the island nation.

Airline passengers numbering in thousands were stranded across Papua New Guinea as commercial airlines grounded planes after the supply of jet fuel was stopped on the island nation. Puma Energy, Papua New Guinea's only fuel supplier, said the shortage in supply was due to a lack of foreign currency from the Central Bank of Papua New Guinea. The foreign currency, among other things, is also used to buy fuel from international markets. A report in The Guardian claimed that there was chaos at the country’s main domestic airport in Port Moresby. All major airlines cancelled their scheduled domestic flights earlier on Thursday. Hundreds of passengers were turned away from Jacksons International Airport in the capital city. This prompted passengers to demand intervention from Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea’s largest airline, Air Niugini, released a statement on Wednesday, saying that all flights around the country would be cancelled because Puma Energy had suspended the supply of Jet A1 fuel to all airline companies. “We have done everything possible to ensure that this situation did not occur and that we could continue to support the people of Papua New Guinea especially as they return from their Christmas holiday,” said Air Niugini. “The airline can assure all our customers that we are completely up to date with our payments to Puma Energy.” WATCH | Gravitas: Papua New Guinea appoints Minister for Coffee × Air Niugini warned that international flights could also be cancelled if the country’s central bank failed to supply enough US dollars for the fuel supplier, Puma Energy, to buy jet fuel. ALSO READ | As it happened: Oil rebounds 3% as OPEC+ weighs biggest output cut since 2020 Papua New Guinea’s difficult terrain and lack of interconnecting roads make air travel the most efficient means of travel. The two largest cities, Port Moresby and Lae, are only accessible by plane. Papua New Guinea has only two major highways linking its interior highlands to the coast and three other highways linking smaller towns. There are no railroads and though there are shipping lines to transport cargo, there are no options for people to travel far on the sea. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Papua New Guinea's airlines grounded due to fuel shortage