At least 26 people killed in Papua New Guinea village attacks, including 16 children

Violent attacks on three villages in Papua New Guinea's East Sepik province resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people, including 16 children. The attacks, which occurred on July 16 and 18, were carried out by a group of over 30 young men, with some reports indicating that the violence was linked to a dispute over land and lake ownership and user rights. The attacks also led to the displacement of over 200 villagers, with their homes being torched. The United Nations human rights chief has condemned the violence, while local authorities have pointed to a lack of robust enforcement and prosecution mechanisms as contributing to the worsening crime situation in the country.