NEWS
KISSAM| LEADERS TURNING A BLIND EYE TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES

Helen-Jennifer BUBUWAU By Helen-Jennifer BUBUWAU | June 12, 2023

KISSAM| LEADERS TURNING A BLIND EYE TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES
Reports of the kidnapping and assault of 17 school girls along the corridors leading from the Mt. Bosavi area in Hela province, has irked Human Rights Defenders in the country. Ms. Ruth Kissam, staunch Human Rights Defender, said kidnapping and hurting of women and girls in this region, has been an ongoing issue. ā€œThe only reason why this issue has come to light, is because of the kidnapping of an international national lecturer and his fellow researchers early this year.ā€ She said the leaders from these areas, are well aware of what has been going on, but have turned a blind eye to what is an ongoing situation. ā€œThese activities are being supported by white collared warlords! Because how can a simple villager afford a K50, 000 – K60, 000 machine gun?ā€ She said the leaders from these areas are not taking a responsibility for the actions of their people and unfortunately, this means women and girls in the area, continue to suffer. ā€œThe leaders from these areas, need to be proactive in their actions. You cannot be dealing with National issues and your own backyard is a mess." "They need to stop hiding and come out and deal with this issue and stop using women and girls as collateral damage.ā€