This alarming statistic underscores a critical security challenge facing Papua New Guinea, particularly in the Highlands Region, where illicit firearms continue to fuel violence, instability, and displacement.
Comprehensive Assessment by the Saving-Lives Entity (SALIENT) Initiative
In response, the Saving-Lives Entity (SALIENT) Initiative—a collaborative effort led by the Prime Minister’s Office in partnership with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, UNDP, UNODA, and UNFPA—has undertaken a landmark assessment to understand the flow and impact of illicit small arms in the Highlands.
Over recent months, SALIENT has conducted extensive research and consultations to map out how illegal firearms circulate, identify weaknesses in control systems, and assess the social and security consequences.
Workshop in Mt. Hagen to Validate Findings and Develop Solutions
This week, a pivotal workshop was held in Mt. Hagen, bringing together representatives from all seven Highlands Provincial Governments, civil society organizations, and law enforcement agencies. The gathering served as a critical platform to validate the assessment findings, exchange perspectives, and collaboratively develop actionable solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by each province.
Key Insights from the Assessment
General Jerry Singairok, retired Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and head of the research team, presented the assessment findings with urgency:
“The system for controlling the flow of small firearms in our country has broken. There is leakage of weapons from the police and armed forces. This is shattering the future dreams of our people. Unless we restore discipline across the system, our people will continue to suffer.”
Governor Wai Rapa of Western Highlands Province emphasized the devastating social impact:
“Firearms are the biggest issue contributing to law-and-order problems in our region. It is driving the flow of internally displaced people to Mount Hagen. As a society, we have not done enough to address this issue and it is the responsibility of us politicians to lead efforts to keep our people safe.”
Towards a Safer Papua New Guinea
The workshop participants collectively formulated a series of practical recommendations aimed at strengthening firearm control, improving law enforcement accountability, and promoting community-based peacebuilding initiatives.
These recommendations will be formally presented to the Government of Papua New Guinea at a forthcoming National Conference scheduled for August, which will focus on galvanizing political will, securing resources, and coordinating multisectoral responses to curb the illicit firearms crisis.
A Call for Unity and Action
The widespread presence of unlicensed and illegal firearms not only threatens individual safety but also hampers national development, undermining peace and security in communities across the Highlands and beyond.
The SALIENT Initiative’s work marks an important step forward, highlighting that addressing the small arms challenge requires concerted efforts from government, security forces, civil society, and local communities alike.
Together, Papua New Guinea can restore order, rebuild trust, and secure a safer future for all its citizens.