Authorities are urged to engage with state and local leaders to achieve lasting peace and respect for human rights in the remote Highlands region.
The appeal follows the latest outbreak of violence between the Pacific island nation's warring tribes, which broke out in Enga province on Sunday. At least 26 people died.
Deadly conflict intensifies
OHCHR spokesperson Jeremy Lawrence said that since the 2022 election, conflicts between the 17 tribal groups have gradually escalated over a variety of issues, including land disputes and inter-clan rivalry.
“The proliferation of firearms and ammunition in the region makes clashes increasingly dangerous,” he said. “We call on the government to ensure the surrender of all weapons, especially mass-produced firearms.”
OHCHR called on the government to take immediate steps to address the root causes of the violence and work towards tribal reconciliation.
Highland communities, especially women and girls, must be protected and further harm to them prevented.
A woman walks in front of her damaged home in the village of Holenka in Kyiv region.
Ukraine: Ongoing war prolongs unrest among displaced populations
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its third year this week, prolonging uncertainty and prolonging exile for millions of displaced people, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) warned on Tuesday.
Approximately 6.5 million Ukrainians are currently refugees around the world, and approximately 3.7 million are forcibly displaced within their own countries.
UNHCR recently conducted a survey of approximately 9,900 refugees and internally displaced persons.
Preliminary findings reveal that the majority still express a desire to return home someday. However, that proportion is decreasing, with more people expressing uncertainty due to the ongoing war.
Displaced Ukrainians say widespread insecurity in the country is the main barrier to returning, but other concerns include a lack of economic opportunities and housing.
UNHCR is seeking $993 million to support both people in Ukraine and those living as refugees in host countries. Currently, only 13% of the appeal is funded.
$2.6 billion lawsuit against Democratic Republic of Congo
Humanitarian organizations and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo have launched a $2.6 billion appeal to provide lifesaving and protection for more than 8 million people in the country.
Renewed violence has erupted, particularly in the volatile eastern region, and affected populations have been repeatedly forced to flee.
The DRC, which is currently home to approximately 6.7 million internally displaced people, also faces severe flooding and recurrent measles and cholera outbreaks, increasing the vulnerability of a population affected by more than three decades of armed conflict. It's increasing.
Beyond the immediate crisis, there are chronic needs and vulnerabilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Estimates suggest that approximately 25.4 million people will be food insecure and 8.4 million acutely malnourished this year. Furthermore, over one million children are out of school due to armed conflict.