The United States, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing an initial $100,000 in immediate humanitarian assistance to respond to worsening displacement in Papua New Guinea as a result of electoral and tribal violence that began in May and continues to increase. . So far, an estimated 156,000 people have been displaced, and hundreds of homes have been destroyed, according to the UN. Reports of violence are also increasing, including violence against women and girls. Relief groups have identified nearly 236,000 people who lack access to basic goods and services, including health care, education, safe drinking water, and food.
This initial $100,000 will help meet the immediate needs of people affected by conflict by providing critical relief items such as hygiene kits, washing kits, water containers, and shelter supplies. USAID humanitarian experts are in the region and in Washington, D.C. working closely with partners to identify and meet the needs of the most vulnerable.
This emergency funding is in addition to USAID’s long-term investments in disaster risk reduction programs in Papua New Guinea and throughout the Pacific that are active year-round. These programs increase the resilience of communities and enhance the ability of first responders and local and national government entities to prepare for and respond to disasters. For example, USAID’s implementing partner, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is training national, provincial and local disaster management authorities in Papua New Guinea on disaster response coordination, shelter needs assessment, and emergency shelter management. As part of this program, IOM prioritized emergency shelter supplies in high-risk and hard-to-reach areas in the event of disasters. These items will be distributed to displaced people affected by the ongoing violence in the Highlands Region.
For the latest update on US humanitarian assistance to Papua New Guinea, click here.
