Malawi: Murder of baby with albinism highlights failure to protect vulnerable group
| Publisher | Amnesty International |
| Publication Date | 15 April 2016 |
| Cite as | Amnesty International, Malawi: Murder of baby with albinism highlights failure to protect vulnerable group, 15 April 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/571dd9b94.html [accessed 20 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 horrific murder of a two-year-old girl with albinism highlights the failure by the Malawi's authorities to adequately protect this vulnerable group, said Amnesty International following the discovery of her skull, teeth and the clothes she was wearing in Balantha Hill in Kasungu district.
The child, Whitney Chilumpha,had been missing since being abducted from her home whilst sleeping beside her mother in Chiziya village, Kasungu district, on 3 April. She is the twelfth person with albinism known to have been killed in Malawi since December 2014.
"The murder of this innocent child is part of a deeply disturbing pattern of disappearances and killings of people with albinism in Malawi where body parts are sold for use in witchcraft," said Muleya Mwananyanda, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Southern Africa.
"The Malawian authorities have failed to protect the vulnerable group and this latest horrific incident should galvanise them into action. Not only must the perpetrators of this crime be brought to justice, but people with albinism must be offered effective protection. Authorities must put a stop to these barbaric killings."
Background
Police have confirmed in a statement that they are keeping the father of the child and another man in custody in connection with the "criminal act".
At least 12 people with albinism are known to have been killed in Malawi since December 2014. Five others have been abducted during the same period and have not been found. Amnesty International believes that the figures could be higher.
In 2015 alone, 45 other crimes against people with albinism, including attempted abductions and opening up of graves in search of bones of dead people with albinism, were reported.
