From August 13 to 30, IOM cooperate with local authorities in the implementation of the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) the team monitors and monitors internal displacement and identifies the needs of the most affected people in the Central Highlands region.
As the assessment continues in hard-to-reach provinces, the total number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is expected to increase.
Most immediate needs
While security limits access to some places, food, water and sanitation, shelter, health and protection are identified as the most essential.
IOM is scaling up emergency assistance to support affected communities.
“We hope that the aid provided by IOM, with the generous contributions of our donors, will somewhat alleviate the pain and suffering of those affected, including many women, children, girls and boys, the elderly and people with disabilities. , ” speak Serhan Aktoprak, Head of Mission of the UN agency in the country.
Kicking off clash
Ahead of the July general election, violence began in Papua New Guinea in May and continued through August – with clashes throughout the multi-day stretch of the election being severe. best.
While violence is directly linked to general elections in most areas, in others long-standing issues – including land disputes, retribution and unending disputes between clans – sparked conflict during a time of turmoil.
Affected communities are reporting injuries, deaths, damage to food gardens, property destruction, displacement and disruption of educational services.
Violent Hotspot
In Porgera, Laiagam and Kompiam districts from Enga province, Margarima district from Hela province and Nipa district from Southern Highland province, almost half of the total population – equivalent to 264,590 persons or 49,175 households – has been affected by the conflict conflicts and elections are taking place. – related violence.
And in Enga, around 25,700 children out of school face a range of vulnerabilities.
Dangerous consequences
The direct impact of violence is an increase in trauma cases, especially among victims of violence, including sexual violence.
Furthermore, medical center closures, due to attacks or staff shortages, would also leave nearly 558,000 people without health care.
Meanwhile, people who need long-term treatment, such as HIV and tuberculosis patients, as well as people with non-communicable diseases, will not be able to take the drugs they need for an indefinite period.
Reply to SOS
IOM, in partnership with the National Disaster Center, and with support from USAID Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) and the Australian Government, will provide emergency assistance to the most affected and vulnerable including including women, people with disabilities and the elderly.
Pre-positioned emergency support materials for immediate delivery include shelter kits – including tarps, nails, hammers and ropes – water treatment pellets and mosquito nets.
So far, IOM has been able to distribute shelter kits to most of the women and children in 236 affected households in Mendi, South Central Highlands province,.
Sponsored by USAID/BHA and UN Peace Building FundDTM tools provide responders with critical data to inform recovery planning and evidence-based responses targeting impacted communities.
