Papua New Guinea

Despite an economic boom led by extractive industries such as mining, an estimated 40 percent of the country lives in poverty. The government has not taken sufficient steps to stop violence, corruption, or excessive use of force by police. Papua New Guinea is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman, with high percentages of women experiencing rape or assault in their lifetime and women facing systemic discrimination. Despite laws criminalizing violence against women, including the 2013 Family Protection Act, perpetrators are rarely prosecuted. Reports of mob violence, especially against individuals accused of sorcery, continue to be reported.