By 
15-05-2026 | Yazan Merii | Asia Team Researcher, Global Human Rights Defence.
As violence intensifies and families continue to flee their homes, Enga Province stands at the centre of a deepening humanitarian crisis demanding urgent international attention.
As of May 2026, the Enga Province of Papua New Guinea continues to face a significant security and humanitarian crisis. Recent reports indicate a fundamental shift in the regional stability, as traditional tribal conflicts have evolved into sustained, low-intensity warfare characterised by the use of modern firearms and the targeting of civilian populations. This evolution has led to widespread displacement, with thousands of families forced into temporary shelters and many children unable to access education or healthcare.
In April 2026, Amnesty International identified deficiencies in Papua New Guinea’s implementation of previous recommendations concerning the failure to address intercommunal violence. Amnesty International views PNG’s response as insufficient in critical areas, including the protection of non-combatant civilians and the provision of assistance to vulnerable populations. Despite official commitments, a significant number of individuals continue to experience harm and remain subject to forced displacement.
While the government has deployed additional police and military personnel to safeguard critical infrastructure, such as the Porgera gold mine, the security situation remains volatile. In districts like Wapenamanda, localised clashes persist despite the signing of peace agreements between rival tribes. Humanitarian organisations and human rights groups continue to advocate for more effective official intervention to protect non-combatants and ensure the delivery of essential aid to vulnerable communities affected by the ongoing violence.
