The Civil Society Organization led coalition for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women has made an urgent call to the government to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Porgera, Enga province. The recent outbreak of violence has caused a widespread of displacement especially among children and women and has left a number of essential government services such as healthcare, education and security, absent. The call on the government came from a number of human rights defenders and NGOs including Magna Carta PNG, Advancing PNG and Business Coalition for Women whom some of them currently have their own workers on the ground in Porgera, desperately needing the help from the government and relevant authorities. According to President and Board Chair of Advancing PNG Women’s Leaders Network, Ruth Kissam, she particularly stressed the urgent need for female representatives in the Community Development Agreement signing made yesterday. “We urge the Mineral Resources Authority, the Enga Provincial Government and other relevant government agencies to prioritize women’s rights and perspective to secure a just and equitable future for all in Porgera. The time for action is action!” “The majority of the men that are sitting on the board at the signing are men and not women; how can men be able to represent the voice of women especially in the extractive areas when a lot of conflict that are happening, are affecting women and children.” She further stated that Porgera alone has the highest number when it comes to weaponization of sexual violence against women. She then stated that there are rape cases happening whereas men are using rape as a form of war and that is happening mostly in places of conflicts. Meanwhile, though there are not enough essential government services such as health services working effectively in the area, Kissam said that there are other services that work quite effectively; church services and human rights defenders on ground. In addition to this, Executive Director of Papua Native Landowner Association, stated that they have number of human rights defenders that work on ground in Porgera in which a few of them have also been injured. “We have one of our female workers who has been attacked whilst trying to help other individuals to move. She has now requested for a chopper to go in bring out some of the victims out but it’s not a good time when a woman is in that situation thinking of her child, her health and its within a conflict area.” “Matters like these we need support from airline companies and we mostly need to support those who are handicapped and living with disabilities too.” Furthermore, Kissman stated that accessibility is an issue; therefore, Churches have always been the ones who have been at the forefront, however, even churches need help too. “Churches are not a law enforcement agency yet they have filled in the gap that could have been filled by the state or other partners we have. So our call primarily is to the government. At the moment all churches are refugee homes for all victims and that is why we need support to save our women and children.” “We stand with our women and children in Porgera to make sure women’s voices are heard especially in making sure they have a seat at the table of the Community Development Agreement.”