Tribal fights and payback killings have been ongoing in the Highlands Region especially in the Ambum valley of Kompiam Ambum District in the Enga Province.
Families are fleeing their homes for safety while women and children have been kidnapped during the recent clash.
Save the Children released a statement acknowledging the efforts of the Police and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force personnel (PNGDF) in successfully rescuing 11 kidnapped children and bringing them to safety.
Save the Children Country Director Fiu Williame-Igara commended the government for strengthening the child protection legislative and policy framework in recent years.
She urged all leaders to work collaboratively to end the violence against children.
“We thank the PNGDF and Police personnel involved in rescuing these children. We are very concerned at the increasing trend of innocent children caught in the middle of payback killing at the impact it will have on them. Our elected leaders must all work together to stop violence against children,” Wiliame –Igara said.
Save the Children Country Director is calling on the responsible authorities to uphold the children’s right as per the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Children, the Lukautim Pikinini Act and other relevant laws.
She further said children should be provided with good care and opportunity to grow in a peaceful and protective environment.
