2014年-世界发展银行全球_Trends_in_crime_and_violence_in_Papua_New_Guinea_36页_1mb

Summary of Trends in Crime and Violence in Papua New Guinea

Core Content

This report, authored by Sadaf Lakhani and Alys M. Willman in May 2014, provides an overview of crime and violence trends in Papua New Guinea (PNG), focusing on the socioeconomic impacts and the challenges in data collection and interpretation. It is part of a broader study commissioned by the Prime Minister of PNG, involving input from both international partners and local stakeholders. The paper highlights the complexity of understanding crime in PNG due to limited and inconsistent data sources, and emphasizes the need for caution when drawing national-level conclusions from provincial or urban data.

Main Findings

I. Homicides appear to be stabilizing, with variation across provinces

• Homicide rates in PNG have shown stabilization since 2000, with a slight increase from 2006 onward.
• National police data (RPNGC) reported a homicide rate of 10.4 per 100,000 people in 2010.
• There is a significant discrepancy between official data and victimization surveys, with the latter often showing higher crime rates.
• Homicide rates are highest in urban areas, particularly Lae and National Capital District (NCD), which are 9 and 3 times the global average respectively.
• Regional variation is substantial, with some provinces showing stable or decreasing rates while others report spikes.

II. Crime and violence rates have stabilized, but with regional variation

• Overall crime rates have stabilized since 2000, with a reduction in total crime levels in 2010 compared to 2000.
• Victimization surveys indicate that the percentage of households reporting crime decreased in NCD from 67% in 2004 to 38% in 2009.
• In Lae, crime increased in 11 out of 12 categories between 2005 and 2010.
• Underreporting is a major issue, with only about 2.3% of crime victimization in Lae reported to the police.
• Property crimes have become more common than commercial break-ins, suggesting a shift in crime patterns.

III. Crime and violence are concentrated in 'hot spots'

• Crime is not evenly distributed across PNG but is concentrated in specific areas.
• Identified hot spots include Lae, NCD, Madang, East New Britain, West New Britain, the Western Highlands, and Enga.
• Violent crime is increasing in some of these areas, despite a national stabilization trend.
• Urban areas are particularly affected, with gentrification and rising housing prices potentially contributing to the concentration of crime.

IV. Crime types and gender-based violence differ by region and gender

• Robbery and assault are the most frequently reported crimes in PNG.
• Violent crimes account for an increasing proportion of total reported crimes, especially in urban and high-crime areas.
• Gender-based violence is the most common form of crime experienced by women, with rape and sexual assault being prevalent.
• Domestic violence is underreported due to cultural norms, shame, and fear.
• Young males are also frequently affected by gender-based violence, though often overlooked in discussions focused on crimes against women.

V. Underreporting and data challenges

• Underreporting is widespread, with only about 33-50% of crimes reported to the police.
• Cultural factors and lack of access to police are major reasons for underreporting.
• Victimization surveys are more comprehensive than official statistics but still suffer from limitations in data collection and classification.
• Firearms use in violent crime is increasing, especially in areas with high crime rates.

Key Information

• Data sources include the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), victimization surveys, and qualitative interviews.
• Challenges in data include:
  • Inconsistent reporting across provinces and towns.
  • Lack of systematic collection of data on homicide and violent crime.
  • Inadequate classification of crime types, leading to misinterpretation of trends.
  • Underreporting of crimes, especially gender-based violence, due to cultural and social factors.
• Firearms are increasingly used in violent crimes, with 80% of violent crimes in NCD and Southern Highlands Province involving weapons in 2006.
• Clan fighting and ethnic conflict are significant contributors to violence, especially in rural areas, though also occurring in urban settings.
• Land disputes in urban areas are a major trigger for large-scale violence.

Conclusion

The report concludes that while national crime and violence rates appear to be stabilizing, provincial and urban variations are substantial. Gender-based violence is a major concern, particularly for women and young males, and underreporting continues to be a critical issue. Firearms are playing an increasing role in violent crime, and clan and ethnic conflicts remain important drivers of violence. The need for more reliable and comprehensive data is emphasized, along with the importance of understanding local dynamics to develop effective crime prevention strategies.

Gaps in Data and Knowledge

• Limited and inconsistent national-level data.
• Underreporting of crimes, especially gender-based violence.
• Inconsistent classification of crime types across data sets.
• Lack of systematic data on ethnic fighting and clan violence.
• Methodological issues in data collection and collation, which affect the interpretation of trends.

Works Cited

• UNDSS 2005
• Small Arms Survey 2006
• Haley and Muggah 2006
• Haley and May 2007
• Goldman 2007
• Barker n/d
• Lewis et al 2007
• Eves 2006
• JAG 2008
• LJSS Lae 2010
• LJSS Kopoko 2010
• LJSS NCD 2009
• LJSS NCD 2010
• UNHABITAT 2004
• Winnington 2008
• Mathew 1996
• Walters 2007

Annex

• Annex 1 outlines the data sources and gaps, as well as challenges in classification of crime.
• Graphs and pie charts are provided to illustrate trends in crime and violence, comparison of data sources, and geographical distribution of crimes.

Notes

• The data limitations are significant and require further investigation to ensure accurate interpretation.
• Cultural and social factors play a crucial role in crime reporting and victimization.
• Urbanization and gentrification may be influencing patterns of crime and violence in PNG.