The United States ambassador to Papua New Guinea says violence is holding the country back.
Young men brandishing bushknives are a common sight in Tari. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Catherine Ebert Gray said violence was getting in the way of progress because people are scared.
The National newspaper reported her saying that violence is not caused by alcohol or sorcery but power imbalances.
Ms Ebert Gray said violence erodes confidence in people and nations and creates fear in everyone.
The ambassador was addressing journalists attending a media workshop on gender-based violence and sorcery-related violence.
