adminLilongwe – Malawian officials must keep their promises and tackle discrimination and attacks on people living with albinism, Amnesty International has said.
The human rights group said this during International Albino Awareness Day.
According to a statement released by the organisation, commitments from the Malawian government were secured through a series of meetings, with officials pledging their dedication to not only address albino murders, but also to tackle discrimination affecting this vulnerable sector of society.
Amnesty on June 7 presented President Peter Mutharika with a report on the plight of albino nationals living in the southern African country, sparking a series of promises on the part of the government to review policies and ensure that adequate protection was provided for citizens living with the condition.
“Recognition by the Malawian authorities at the highest level that people with albinism not only experience daily discrimination, but also live in constant fear of attacks is an important step in addressing the problem,” said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s regional director for southern Africa.
“Malawian police need more resources and must conduct thorough and effective investigations to bring the abductions and killings to an end.
Visible policing in rural areas coupled with an effective public education campaign can contribute significantly in arresting the problem,” Muchena added.
The organisation has previously slammed Malawian police over a surge of albino killings in the country, claiming that the violence came as a result of the systematic failure of policing in Malawi.
Meanwhile, Mutharika has declared war against albino “terrorists”, claiming that his administration will win the war against them, Nyasa Times reports.
While making his address on International Albinism Awareness Day, Mutharika said that perpetrators of crimes against albino nationals would face the full might of the law.
Mutharika said this as Justice Minister Samuel Tembenu was set to table a bill in parliament, aimed at increasing protection for those living with the condition. He said that at least 130 arrests had been made in connection with albino abductions and murders in Malawi.
He also confirming the appointment of a special prosecutor to handle cases relating to crimes against albino nationals. “People elsewhere are taking us as fools, they think we are ignorant, this is embarrassing . . . it is sinful,” he said.
Mutharika has previously expressed concern over the scourge of albino attacks in the southern African country, saying he felt “terrible” and “ashamed” at the plight of those living with albinism in the country.
Fuelled by a belief that albino body parts brought wealth, attacks on albinos have increased in recent times, leading to the deaths of at least 17 albino nationals in the last two years.
Mutharika has since slammed the belief among some Malawian residents, describing the superstition as foolish and ignorant. – AFP
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter