The PNG Tribal Foundation, a humanitarian organization, who has been in the forefront of addressing Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) and other forms of violence is continuing in this journey spreading light in the remotest areas of the country, especially in the Highlands Region. With little access to government services, PNG Tribal Foundation still provides daily support to survivors and victims of SARV. Last month alone up to date now, Tribal Foundation shows in its report that it has repatriated 27 people to safer areas and fed more than 100 displaced and affected locals. PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin confirmed that 15 locals who received threats from the relatives of SARV perpetrators in Banz, Jiwaka, were assisted to a safer place. The treaths were issued following referrals of four suspects to the National Court whereby one was arrested, thus which triggering retaliation from the suspects’ relatives last year, which has led to the SARV threats this year. Mean while 12 victims from Kerowagi District, Simbu Province, were also assisted and rescued after receiving threats from relatives of the suspected perpetrators who were arrested last week. The nature of the situation aroused following a death of a prominent local man back in year 2023 in Kombumogo village. “We also fed over 100 locals whom we look after affected by sorcery in their own communities through food rations we supply monthly, this work is carried out by our volunteers and human rights defenders on the ground,” Mr Bustin said. Mr Bustin highlighted that over K10,000 was spent within three weeks to provide daily support for victims, thus this included assisting police operations with fuel and paperwork, collecting eyewitness statements, medical reports, covering PMV fares, and securing accommodation to ensure victims were safely sheltered and fed. Mr Bustin also added that a woman allegedly committed suicide in Ona village, Kerowagi District, Simbu province after being accused of sorcery and Tribal Foundation assisted CID police by paying K500 in postmortem fees to help commence investigations into her death. Another suspect was allegedly removed from police cells by a policeman two weeks ago which Tribal is pushing for further police action. “We are calling on the government to step up and do more to help us with arrests and successful prosecution of perpetrators, as well as rescue and protection of victims throughout the country,” Mr. Bustin said. “Tribal Foundation needs help, we are an NGO, and we are doing the government’s job with very little support.” He added that the Foundation works closely with police, court officials, community leaders, churches, and safe houses in remote areas across the provinces. Mr. Bustin also confirmed that a SARV victim in Ihu LLG received support from the Tribal and will be filing a formal complaint with police in Kerema this week following an incident that occurred back in February. “We must hold SARV perpetrators accountable before anything will change.” The PNG Tribal Foundation is currently caring for more than 600 SARV and gender-based violence victims across the country, with the highest numbers in the Highlands region.