Gumine villages choose peace over killing

Newly graduated SARV community facilitators and first responders standing proudly after receiving their certificates. The group, in uniform, will now serve as peace mediators and human rights defenders in their respective communities in Gumine *(Supplied)*

For years, sickness or a sudden death in Gumine district of Simbu meant one thing someone would be accused of sorcery, and an innocent life would be in danger.

Now, 12 villages in Kumai-Bomai and Gumine LLG are saying enough.

A total of 115 community members and facilitators have graduated from a 7-week intensive program that teaches one simple truth: 'Sorcery accusation is not a license to kill'

The graduation at Baminbilyonga Resource Centre in Boromil, Gumine district of Simbu yesterday, saw mothers, youths, village magistrates and church leaders stand together under the theme "Communities Unite Against SARV".

18 local facilitators were trained as Trainers of Trainers through the Community Development Agency (CDA) and its Community Development College, and they took the message right into the villages, no office talk, but haus to haus conversations about peace, human rights, and protecting the innocent.

CDA Director, Yanni Guman and Highlands Women’s Human Rights Defender, Mary Kini challenged the graduates to be the voice for those who cannot defend themselves when fear takes over the community.

"When misfortune strikes, choose law, choose peace, choose humanity – not violence. In Simbu where SARV continues to claim innocent lives, Gumine is now leading by example" Guman said.

This program was initiated by Melanesian Institute of Goroka in partnership with CDA, Divine Word University, KOICA and UNFPA.

Meanwhile, NBC News is seeking comments from Police Commissioner David Manning.