MHRC engaging Amnesty International on ending Albino killings

Concerned by unrelenting violent attacks on people with albinism, the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) is courting the international community in an attempt to permanently resolve the gruesome trend.

Whereas it is already working with Amnesty International, the MHRC also plans to host delegates from the Southern Africa Development Community to share notes on how to handle issues affecting the minority group.

In recent years, Malawi has been registering an increase in violent attacks as well as killings of persons with albinism.

MHRC’s Director of Disability and Elderly Rights Wycliffe Masoo, has disclosed that they are developing a framework on dealing with such atrocities.

“There are some countries within the region that have done well in putting in place mechanisms dealing with cases of such nature hence engaging them would help in protecting the lives of persons with albinism,” Masoo said.

The focus of Malawi is on strengthening a special unit aimed at investigating cases of attacks on people with albinism.

“Cross border crimes pertaining to persons with albinism are still happening, hence meeting colleagues from the region will help us share best practices on how to approach the issue,” Masoo added.

The killing of people with albinism is linked to witchcraft rituals with the attackers wrongly believing the victim’s body parts bring good luck.