Fears that sorcery related violence is on the rise in PNG due to COVID-19

There are fears that Papua New Guinea's COVID-19 crisis is being used as an excuse to carry out sorcery accusation violence as the number of coronavirus cases climb.

The total number of cases has now passed 7400, while six deaths were recorded in the past 24 hours.

The ABC reports that advocates have raised their concern after the National newspaper said that a 45-year old woman and daughter were accused of sorcery and tortured by their in-laws after her husband died from COVID-19.

Researcher Dr Fiona Hukula said people were fearful over unexplained deaths and there's a lack of information about COVID-19.

She said leaders in the community and at the national level must do their part to dispel COVID-19 misinformation.

Dr Hukula, who is an advocate and campaigner against sorcery violence said there needs to be critical reflection on stories that blame women.

Fijivillage stresses that COVID-19 has nothing to do with sorcery.

Please register for the vaccination and get vaccinated.