Justice for Armed Crimes
Photo: PINA
Reducing Impunity
Currently, only a small minority of incidents involving multiple killings result in a criminal conviction. While there are several reasons why witnesses are afraid or unwilling to give evidence, proven alternatives from similar group violence situations are available that can enable convictions.
While there are several reasons why witnesses are afraid or unwilling to give evidence, proven alternatives from similar group violence situations are available that can enable convictions.
Gathering Additional Evidence
There are additional ways to provide information and evidence safely and easily to police than are currently available in PNG.
ShieldPNG is an information and evidence management system where text, audio, photos, and video can be forwarded through common digital communication channels, such as the ShieldPNG WhatsApp account. Secure and safe reporting is the top priority and all reports are anonymous by default. Audio files are transcribed by trained ShieldPNG workers.
Evidence and tip-offs are passed on to relevant police investigators and kept in a secure Infobase accessible only to authorised justice personnel. This evidence management system is still being tested and is expected to be ready for the public in mid-2025.
Some people are willing to provide a witness statement though are unable to attend a police station, for instance if they are in hospital with a gunshot injury. A feature we are working on is the ability for such people to produce witness statements remotely using the digital ShieldPNG system.
Practical Justice Information
There can be many reasons why prosecutions do not follow mass killings. We work with communities, police, investigators and prosecutors to understand the challenges in each situation and assist in overcoming them.
This includes:
- Gathering and sharing research on situations in PNG and like situations around the world.
- Identifying alternative prosecution options, such as illicit firearms possession.
- Producing practice notes, training material and other requested documents on what works.
- Comparisons through data visualisation and mapping on where prosecutions and convictions are on the rise and where they are remaining behind.
Growing Justice Campaigns
ShieldPNG collects violence and crime justice campaign information from around the world. We also collect information on a wide-range of public campaigns from PNG. The digital ShieldPNG Campaign Library will be publicly accessible shortly and will be continuously improved.
We are developing tools to grow the impact for those running justice campaigns.
This includes tools to auto produce videos, animations, presentations, posters, and other content tailored for target, hotspot communities.
ShieldPNG does not intend to duplicate the work of other justice organisations. We look for gaps in information sharing and available tools and seek to help fill the gaps. These campaign tools should be ready for public use starting in late 2025.
Recognising Justice Seekers
Working for justice is too often a thankless task. ShieldPNG will encourage people in communities, local authorities, churches, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies to nominate those who are working (whether paid or as a volunteer) for justice for deadly violence and for those nominees to share their stories.
This can inspire more people to get involved as well as support those who are recognised. Further details on how to nominate and share stories will be provided soon – keep an eye on this page or join our mailing list to receive updates!