Human Rights Watch writes to express concern over recent statements in Parliament suggesting that the death penalty might be soon implemented for the first time since Papua New Guinea gained self-governance and independence and that the Ministry of Justice may develop regulations to do so.

Papua New Guinea has made the international news again with a horrific story to reinforce stereotypes about the country: sorcery, sex, and fire. On January 6, a group of men reportedly stripped a woman naked, bound her hands and feet, stuffed a cloth in her mouth, and burned her alive on a dumpsite. Rumor has it that she had "confessed" to having eaten a man's heart.

Human Rights Watch writes to commend Papua New Guinea on its recent accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Accession is an important step towards guaranteeing respect for fundamental human rights in Papua New Guinea, and we welcome your government’s actions in this regard.

Police violence against children remains rampant in Papua New Guinea, despite recent juvenile justice reform efforts. Children and others in police custody are often raped and tortured.

Human Rights Watch wrote to congratulate Minister Bire Kimisopa on his appointment as Minister of Justice, to welcome his public statements against the death penalty in Papua New Guinea, and to draw his attention to several areas of concern.

Human Rights Watch writes to congratulate on your recent appointment as Minister of Police, and looks forward to communicating with you on issues relating to human rights and policing during your tenure in Papua New Guinea. We would also use this opportunity to express our deep concern regarding the widespread use of violence against children by members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. We urge you, as Minister of Police, to use your new position to prevent these practices and to punish police officers and their commanders found responsible for them.