Abstract
The phenomenon of Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (SARV) is a global issue involving ritualistic and culturally embedded practices that result in serious human rights violations, including killings, torture, and stigmatisation. SARV disproportionately affects vulnerable populations—particularly women, children, and persons with disabilities—and is prevalent across regions including Africa, South America, Western Europe, Indonesia, West Papua, and Papua New Guinea (PNG). This presentation explores how beliefs in sorcery and witchcraft are used to explain misfortune and death, and how these beliefs intersect with colonial histories and rapid sociocultural transformation in PNG. Through unpacking the definitions and cultural contexts of sorcery and witchcraft, Ali’s research highlights the urgent need for culturally informed responses to SARV and wider implications for justice, human rights, and community wellbeing.