Violence and Risk in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea represents a unique case study in international risk due to its complex interplay of social, political, and economic challenges. PNG struggles with violence, corruption, and governance are not isolated phenomena but are part of larger patterns that resonate across other nations facing similar developmental hurdles. For businesses and organizations operating in or engaging with PNG, understanding these risks is critical to ensuring sustainable operations and minimizing exposure to harm.

Papua New Guinea has faced several international risks since it the Germans and then the British colonised it, before it came under Australian control after WWI. PNG became an independent country in 1975 and is part of the Commonwealth. Papua New Guinee is often ranked as the worst place in the world for violence against women. A study by the Lancet found that 27 percent of men on the Bougainville Island reported having raped a non-partner, while 14 percent reported having committed gang rape. 50 percent of those seeking medical help after rape are under 16, 25 percent are under 12, and 10 percent is under 8. In 2013 a Family Protection Act was put in place and approved in 2017 in an attempt to reduce the risks of gender-based violence in PNG. 

Sorcery is still prevalent, in the sense that an estimated up to 150 alleged witches using ‘black magic’ are killed each year. There has been an action plan (Sorcery and Witchcraft Accusation Related National Action Plan (SNAP)) put in place that has been approved by the government in 2015. Moreover, homosexual acts are prohibited by law, which entails that there is no protection given to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Finally, tribal violence is still very much present. In the highland regions, there has been an increase in firearms, although rival groups have been known to use axes, traditional weapons, and bush knives. This increase in firearms has led to an increase in village massacres, with the February 2024 attack being the deadliest with 69 villagers killed in a single attack, since the Bougainville conflict of the 80s and 90s. There are stacks of illegal firearms and ammunition stacked in the highlands. This leads to rival groups parading with assault rifles at their disposal, and ‘warning’ neighbouring tribes to surrender, or else… Tribal allegiances are stronger than those to the nation state. In addition, the weapons tend to be Australian or American made, and have likely been purchased by the Papua New Guinean government, probably with assistance from the US Department of State. Most of the ammunition the tribal groups have is probably leaked or purchased from supplies which have been legally imported. 

Local police officers often state that they do not have the support required to reduce the violence in the highland regions. It is estimated that 89.000 people were displaced by violence after the national elections in 2022. The Enga Province tends to be one of the most violent provinces. The violence tends to be political and financial, when people are not happy with the electoral result, fighting occurs. 

The Intersection of Domestic and International Risk Factors

Papua New Guinea has high levels of human trafficking and organised crime, which further exacerbate international risks. This situation allows for corruption and drug trafficking, as well as high levels of unemployment, which in turn leads to more violence and criminal behaviour (think: theft, breaking and entering, carjacking, amongst others). 

Papua New Guinea’s internal challenges, such as tribal violence and gender-based violence, have significant implications for the international community. These issues often intersect with global concerns, such as human rights violations and transnational crime. For example, the trafficking of arms and illicit goods through PNG’s porous borders connects the country’s instability to larger regional and international security frameworks. These dynamics emphasize the importance of coordinated global efforts to mitigate risks emanating from fragile states like PNG.

Economic instability in Papua New Guinea further heightens its international risk profile. The country is rich in natural resources, including gold, oil, and natural gas, making it a target for multinational corporations. However, inadequate governance, corruption, and local resistance to extractive industries pose substantial risks to foreign investors. Disruptions in PNG’s resource sector can have ripple effects on global commodity markets, underscoring the interconnected nature of international risks.

Adding another layer of complexity, Papua New Guinea is highly vulnerable to climate change. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events threaten coastal communities, exacerbate resource scarcity, and intensify displacement. These environmental challenges are not just local concerns; they represent a growing international risk as climate-induced migration, and competition for resources create pressure points across the Asia-Pacific region. Addressing these risks requires collaborative approaches that integrate environmental resilience into broader security and development strategies.

While the international risks associated with Papua New Guinea are substantial, they also present opportunities for proactive engagement. International organizations, governments, and private sector actors have the chance to support PNG in strengthening its governance, improving law enforcement capabilities, and promoting economic diversification. By addressing these root causes, the global community can play a role in reducing risks and enhancing stability in the region.

You can find our episode, with Andrew Molen, about the violence in Papua New Guinea here.