Malawi: Discovery of head of boy with albinism exposes protection failures
| Publisher | Amnesty International |
| Publication Date | 3 March 2016 |
| Cite as | Amnesty International, Malawi: Discovery of head of boy with albinism exposes protection failures, 3 March 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56d955e54.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The sickening discovery of the severed head of a nine-year-old boy with albinism in Malawi shows the grave risk to life faced by this vulnerable minority group and the urgent need for the authorities to provide them with adequate protection, said Amnesty International today.
Police confirmed to Amnesty International today that they found the head of the boy who was abducted from his home at Moto village in Malawi's eastern district of Machinga on Friday 26 February.
"The discovery of the head of a nine year-old boy with albinism who was abducted in front of his mother, shows the grave danger faced by people with albinism in Malawi. The Police must urgently and thoroughly investigate the matter and bring to justice anyone suspected to be responsible for this heinous crime," said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International's Director for Southern Africa.
"The government must immediately take steps to ensure the safety and security of people with albinism and their families, especially in border districts, and provide much needed protection for this vulnerable group who are increasingly being targeted for their body parts. These ritual killings must stop."
Two people with albinism have been killed since January this year, with at least 11 known to have been victims of ritual killings since December 2014. Five others are still missing.
The lack of adequate police protection has also led to vigilante murders. On Tuesday, a mob burned to death seven men allegedly found with bones of a person with albinism in Southern Malawi's border district of Nsanje.
"Vigilante violence targeting suspects of any crime is unacceptable. The government should encourage the public to report anyone they suspect of involvement in criminal acts to the police who should investigate the crime. Justice cannot be achieved by people taking the law into their own hands," said Deprose Muchena.
