26 Apr 2010

Murder of young mother and child in Vanuatu highlights need for refuges

3:37 pm on 26 April 2010

The Vanuatu National Council of Women says people are shocked by the murder of a woman and her three year-old daughter in the capital Port Vila.

Police are releasing few details about the killings which occurred in the Fresh Wota area last week.

They say a piece of wood was found at the scene which they suspect was used in the murder, but they cannot confirm the cause of death and say they have no suspects in the case.

However the president of the National Council of Women, Manina Packete, says she has heard the 28 year-old mother had been rejected by her parents.

"I was shocked by this story when I heard that the poor girl and baby were killed. It is very shocking."

Manina Packete is calling for an orphanage to be established for unwanted children and temporary accommodation for young mothers.