Gender Based Violence

That means even though a high number of DV cases are reported, Police are still investigating and prosecuting offenders.

Commissioner of Police Colonel Robson Iavro made the comment at the opening of a workshop on Understanding Investigating and Preventing Sexual Gender Base Violence (SGBV).

Officers from the FPU attended a 3-day workshop on SGBV recently.

The FPU is one of the most effective and efficient units because of its successful prosecution of Domestic Violence cases which are very high in the country.

News that the Loughman administration wants to break up the Ministry of Justice and Community Services to allow for the creation of a Ministry of Fisheries, Oceans and Maritime Affairs is being heavily criticised.

Leading opposition figure, and former Justice Minister, Ralph Regenvanu, says the government's plan makes no sense, particularly when it comes to dealing with critical issues like domestic violence.

Messages such as "for use against drunkards" are written on the paddles, which measure about 40cm (15in) and are more traditionally used for laundry.

Gopal Bhargava a state minister in Madhya Pradesh, said he wanted to highlight the issue of domestic abuse.

He told the women to try to reason with their husbands before using them.

But if their spouses refuse to listen, they should let the paddles - known as mogri and usually used to beat dirt out of clothes - "do the talking", he said.

Savings 'spent on liquor'

Today is your day.

December 10 is observed every year as the international Human Rights Day.

It commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In 1950, the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V), inviting all States and interested organizations to observe December 10 each year as Human Rights Day.

This year, Human Rights Day calls on everyone to stand up for someone's rights!

This has been stressed by Esmie Sinapa, Co-founder of Women Arise Movement PNG.

Sinapa aired this view point in a meeting on Thursday with various women groups, NGOs, government representatives, men and youth to address GBV as an epidemic in itself.

She emphasised that this requires a consensuses approach from everyone and called on government officials not to politicise the issue.

Other women leaders also expressed their views on how best to address the high rate of GBV in the country.

Meeting with respective authorities, various women groups with support of a few men have moved to push for the issue to be seriously addressed at the government level.

The meet today identified the Papua New Guinea National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender Based Violence 2016 – 2025 is yet to be endorsed by the government.

The strategy published in late 2015 was compiled through a concerted effort by all stakeholders, with four objectives, one including prevention of GBV.