This petition is coordinated by the Melanesian Institute (MI), an independent faith-based research and Socio Pastoral institute based in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province.

The petition is grounded in research and evidence, including recent nationwide public opinion research conducted by the Melanesian Institute on Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (SARV).

The purpose of this petition is to bring the voices and concerns of Papua New Guineans to the National Government and Parliament and to call for concrete action to protect people from SARV.

Across Papua New Guinea, people accused of sorcery continue to face violence, torture, displacement and, in some cases, death.

An accusation of sorcery must never become a justification for violence. Every person, regardless of their beliefs or circumstances, has the right to life, dignity, security and protection under the law.

The protection of life is a fundamental human-rights responsibility and a shared moral responsibility. As a nation, we must ensure that fear, accusation and violence do not take the place of justice, compassion and the rule of law.

Recent nationwide public opinion research conducted by the Melanesian Institute, involving 2,000 respondents across Papua New Guinea, demonstrates strong public concern about the Government's response to SARV. The findings show that 95% of respondents believe the Government is not doing enough to prevent SARV, while 96% believe more needs to be done to support survivors and bring perpetrators to justice. 99% believe the Government should provide funding to implement the SARV National Action Plan.
These findings demonstrate a clear public call for action.

The National Government must take the following three immediate actions:
1. PUBLISH THE SNAP
Publish the Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence National Action Plan (SNAP) in full and make it publicly accessible.
The people of Papua New Guinea have the right to know what the Government's national plan is for preventing SARV, protecting people at risk, supporting survivors and strengthening justice and accountability.
Publication will provide transparency and enable communities, churches, civil society, development partners and other stakeholders to participate meaningfully in its implementation.

2. FUND THE SNAP
Provide adequate, dedicated and sustained funding for the SNAP.
A national action plan cannot protect lives without the resources required to implement it.
Government funding must support practical measures, including prevention and awareness, protection and rapid response, police and justice responses, survivor support, health services, psychosocial care and community-based action.

3. IMPLEMENT THE SNAP
Immediately begin and sustain the full implementation of the SNAP.
The National Action Plan must move from policy to action.
Implementation should include clear responsibilities, timelines, measurable outcomes and regular public reporting so that progress can be monitored and communities can see meaningful action.

Our National Government must recognize that SARV is not simply a cultural or community issue.
It is a matter of human rights, protection of life, human dignity, public safety, justice and the rule of law.
We affirm that:
Every life is precious.
Every person has inherent dignity.
An accusation is not proof.
Belief cannot justify violence.
Violence is not justice.
Every person deserves protection under the law.

Therefore, the National Government must  respond to this national concern with urgency, leadership and accountability.
We call upon the National Government of Papua New Guinea to:

PUBLISH THE SNAP.
FUND THE SNAP.
IMPLEMENT THE SNAP.

Protecting people from Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence is a responsibility we must share as a nation.
This is  a call to our leaders to choose life, protect human dignity, uphold justice and take concrete action to end SARV.

Thank you for participating in this important petition to: 
PROTECT LIFE. DEFEND HUMAN DIGNITY. END SARV.