Authorities are urged to engage with provincial and local leaders in a dialogue to achieve durable peace and respect for human rights in the remote Highlands region.

The appeal follows the latest outbreak of violence between warring tribes in the Pacific Island nation, which occurred on Sunday in Enga province. At least 26 people were killed. 

Deadly conflicts escalating  

OHCHR Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said conflicts among 17 tribal groups have progressively escalated, since elections in 2022, over a range of issues including land disputes and clan rivalries.  

“The clashes have increasingly turned deadly due to a proliferation of firearms and ammunition in the region,” he said. “We call on the Government to ensure the surrender of all arms, particularly mass-produced firearms.” 

OHCHR urged the Government to take immediate measures to address the root causes of the violence, and to work toward tribal reconciliation.  

The Highland communities, particularly women and girls, must be protected, and further harm to them prevented. 

Ukraine: Ongoing war prolongs uncertainty among displaced people 

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine enters a third year this week, prolonging uncertainty and exile for millions who have been displaced, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) warned on Tuesday. 

Almost 6.5 million Ukrainians are now refugees globally, while some 3.7 million remain forcibly displaced inside the country. 

UNHCR recently surveyed some 9,900 of the refugees and internally displaced people. 

Preliminary findings revealed that the majority still expressed a desire to return home one day. However, the proportion has declined, with more expressing uncertainty due to the ongoing war. 

Displaced Ukrainians cited the prevailing insecurity at home as the main factor inhibiting their return, while other concerns included a lack of economic opportunities and housing. 

UNHCR is seeking $993 million to support people both inside Ukraine and those living as refugees in host countries. The appeal is currently just 13 per cent funded.

$2.6 billion appeal for DR Congo 

Humanitarians and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have launched a $2.6 billion appeal to provide life-saving assistance and protection to more than eight million people in the country.

New outbreaks of violence, particularly in the volatile eastern region, are forcing affected populations to be repeatedly displaced.

There are currently some 6.7 million internally displaced people in the DRC – which is also facing serious flooding and a resurgence of measles and cholera epidemics, thus increasing the vulnerability of people affected by more than three decades of armed conflict. 

Beyond the immediate crises, chronic needs and vulnerabilities persist in the DRC. 

Estimates indicate that nearly 25.4 million people will be food insecure this year, while 8.4 million will be affected by acute malnutrition. Additionally, more than a million children no longer go to school due to armed conflicts.