Children in Papua New Guinea experience some of the most extreme forms of violence, and the rates are extremely high according to world standards.
According to UNICEF and MSF, 70% of children in PNG suffer from emotional and physical abuse; 50% experience sexual abuse; and 50% of children are endangered by family violence within their homes.
This week, Save the Children launched a report on Papua New Guinea’s child protection system. The report was launched following a research into the country’s Child Protection System.
The research was conducted in May and June this year, with a sample size within 5 provinces: the National Capital District; East Sepik Province; Eastern Highlands Province; Morobe Province; and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
From this report Save the Children highlighted that
- Violence on children remains extensive in PNG;
- There is a general lack of understanding on violence against children;
- There is a need for Child Protection laws to be implemented practically,
With adequate resources, and clear allocation of budget; - Also children’s needs are not adequately attended to, due to
-lack of knowledge and skills; and a
-lack of available resources.
Save the Children Country Director, Jennifer El-Sibai, highlighted that the report carries the voices of children and parents in communities. She said real change for child protection will be achieved with a collective effort from all organisations and members of the society.
