Sepik, Papua New Guinea, July 25: At least 26 people, including 16 children, have been killed in violent attacks on three villages in East Sepik province, Papua New Guinea, according to the UN. The attacks, which occurred on July 16 and 18, have also forced more than 200 villagers to flee their homes as their properties were set ablaze.UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed horror over the violence, which appears to stem from disputes over land and lake ownership. Türk urged Papua New Guinea authorities to conduct thorough investigations and ensure justice for the victims. He also emphasized the need for reparations, including housing, protection, and psychosocial support.
The UN has warned that the death toll could exceed 50, reflecting the severity of the ongoing conflict exacerbated by land disputes and clan rivalries. The violence, fueled by the proliferation of automatic weapons and mercenaries, highlights the escalating tribal conflicts in the region, which have intensified since the 2022 elections.