What is the day?
Every year on 10 August, people around the world stand together against witch hunts: the accusations, the fear, and the violence that follows them. In Papua New Guinea this is the International Day Against Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV).
This year the network marks the day in Simbu, one of the Highlands provinces where communities, churches and schools are working together to prevent SARV. It is a day to celebrate the progress already made, to remember those who have suffered, and to renew a shared commitment: no one should be accused, harmed, or killed over an accusation of sorcery.
On the day
The gathering at Kundiawa (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) will bring leaders and communities together to mark the day and to show the work that is already changing communities:
How to take part
Where the day comes from
The World Day Against Witch Hunts was started by the aid agency missio in 2020. Papua New Guinea was there from the beginning: on 10 August 2020, around 3,000 people marched peacefully in Mendi, Southern Highlands, one of the first communities in the world to mark the day.
The people who marched in 2020 are the same movement gathering today. What began as a march is now a network of coordinators, trainers, teachers and church leaders working across six Highlands provinces. See our work →
For partners and media
Organising something for the day, attending, or covering the event? Reach us through the contact box below, and share the link: endsarv.net/aug10.html