: YOUNG WOMEN DENOUCE TRADING OF GIRLS FOR GUNS

The Young Women of the YWCA of PNG have denounced news reports of girls being traded in exchange for firearms in the Western Highlands Province.The Young women's Desk Coordinator, Okera Amini, said trading young girls for guns is a total violation of girls and women's rights, their dignity and devalues a girls life. Such actions contribute to an increase in violence in all forms against women and girls, and those responsible should be dealt with accordingly. It's alarming to note that this trend is happening in various parts of the province with girls and mothers living in constant fear of threats and
reprisals", she said."The Young Women also expressed their concern at the growing incidences of violence against women and girls in the country."

YWCA PNG is part of a global movement, that promotes justice, peace, health, human dignity and freedom. In? 2003, PNG YWCA along with other member countries resolved to promote education of human rights issues and focus on the full development of women?s humanity, dignity and enhancing respect for women?s human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Using girls as materials or commodities, not only demeans their value as human beings but goes against the spirit of what we stand for", she said. We challenge the Ministers for Justice and Internal Security to institute an immediate investigation into these allegations."Ms. Amini said, the Young Women also want the welfare and security of the girls in the affected areas to be assured and relevant independent agencies be given the mandate to conduct investigations and prosecute.

We don't know the age or the number of girls being exploited but this is a matter of grave concern that warrants all concerned citizens, especially young people to condemn those responsible.

We have informed our young women in the World YWCA movement to support our stand, Ms. Amini said.

On Behalf of Young Women of YWCA of Papua New Guinea

WHY THE PETITION:
It is in response to the National newspaper's front page(see a copy on www.national.com.pg).

The PNG YWCA want to lobby support from all Y members, friends, relatives in PNG and abroad to send protest/concern notes, emails or faxes to the following people:

The Prime Minister of PNG on Fax: (675) 327 6630/ email :pmsoffice@pm.gov.pg. if you are having difficulty then go through his website: www.pm.gov.pg. CCyour copies to: Minister for Justice Mr. Michael Maipakai on the following fax: (675)323 0241. Minister for Internal Security Mr. Bire Kimisopa: Fax: (675) 321 7461. You can send cc copies of your email to ssolomon@thenational.com.pg or fax: 324 6868.

We are informing our branches to do likewise. we want to bombard those concerned with?over a thousand protest notes in the hope that something can be done for the innocent young girls being exploited.

SAY NO TO VIOLENCE. LET IT START WITH ME.