The Catholic Professional Society of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has expressed deep concerns about the escalating violence and killings in the country, urging government leaders to take immediate action. Mr. Paul Harricknen, president of the Catholic Professional Society PNG, stated, “As a Church, we are very concerned about the out-of-control law and order situation in our communities and country. The indiscriminate killings and violence have become regular and normalized, showing disregard for human life.” He continued, “We join the Law Society of PNG in voicing our concerns about this dire situation. The rule of law appears to be mere lip service, while law and justice agencies seem overwhelmed by lawlessness, which appears to be beyond their reach and capability.” The president emphasized that government presence feels absent, and leadership at all levels appears helpless or indifferent. “It is no longer safe to live in PNG. How can we deny this reality? We can’t continue living in denial. Our towns are unsafe, and our communities, both urban and rural, are no longer safe and free, especially for women and children. Where is the rule of law? It seems that nobody cares anymore.” “Each individual, family, and community are left to fend for their own protection and survival. The rule of law fails to guarantee safety without proper enforcement,” he said. “What do we do when killings occur almost daily? Bag snatching and theft of valuable items from vulnerable individuals by armed groups and mobs have become commonplace. People can’t walk out of their homes without fearing for their safety. This is unacceptable in a country that is supposed to uphold freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights,” he added. President Harricknen also noted that as PNG prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025, a significant question looms for the people: What are we celebrating? Is it worth celebrating? “We still remember the tragic events of Black Wednesday on January 10th, 2024, and the ongoing tribal killings in places like Enga, Southern Highlands, Hela, Alotau, Rabaul, Madang, East Sepik, and the recent brutal incidents in Goilala and Port Moresby. This cycle of violence seems endless,” the President said. He urged the national government to urgently and seriously address these concerns. “Police and law enforcement agencies must be free from political interference to fulfill their duties effectively. Public service and constitutional offices should not be politicized." “We need a change in the culture of money politics to foster leadership built on integrity and common sense. Tribal warlords must be held accountable to the full extent of the law if we ever hope to end tribal conflicts.” “The churches and civil society can only do so much. We pray and hope for good governance, justice, and peace in our country and communities,” he concluded.