The United Nations in Papua New Guinea strongly condemns the ongoing violence in Porgera, Enga Province and requests the Government to restore security to enable safe humanitarian access and essential services for the affected communities

Port Moresby, 17 September: Porgera, Enga Province, has been experiencing an upsurge of violence in recent days. The eruption of violence has caused widespread destruction of property, displacement of residents, and disruption of essential services.

An initial assessment of the situation on the ground confirms that the violence has resulted in a humanitarian crisis with significant displacement, food insecurity and limited access to medical care and essential services. Safety concerns, as well as logistical challenges created by the May 2024 landslide in Mulitaka (situated 40 kms away from Porgera via the Highlands Highway) are obstacles to the delivery of aid to the affected populations in Porgera. The Provincial Emergency Response Team have prioritized restoration of law and order and are working with the PNG Defence Force and the Provincial Police Commander who are mobilizing additional forces to Porgera.

The Provincial Emergency Response Team has also prioritized a needs assessment and the United Nations, in the next 48 - 72 hours, will be deploying a joint needs assessment mission to support the Provincial team to assess needs of the affected population as well as to assess access to the affected locations.

As of today, the number of fatal casualties reported by local sources is estimated to be in the range between 20 and 50, but this figure is subject to change and verification.