Young women in Papua New Guinea being sold for guns

The National reports that young women are regularly being traded by their families and tribes for guns:
While no figures were given out, [Western Highlands Rural Zones Commander Inspector Billy Kombel] said authorities know these things are happening in many areas of the province where tribal fights have gone on for years.
It was also made known to police that when warring tribes find that there is no money or pigs to pay “mercenaries” which they hire to help them fight, they give away their young girls.
Out of fear of reprisal, or of being seen as outcast, their mothers and other immediate relatives keep quiet about it.
The Young Women of the YWCA of PNG have come out against this recent news, demanding that the Ministers for Justice and Internal Security launch an immediate investigation.
The Young Women’s Desk Coordinator, Okera Amini, said trading young girls for guns is a violation of girls’ rights and dignity: “Such actions contribute to an increase in violence in all forms against women and girls, and those responsible should be dealt with accordingly…It’s alarming to note that this trend is happening in various parts of the province with girls and mothers living in constant fear of threats.”

Note: YWCA of PNG website unavailable; information via emailed press release. Contact me if you want more info.