There is a sharp increase in killings of people with albinism in Malawi, according to a report by Amnesty International released on June 7, as the group called on authorities to do more to protect albinos.
The report shows that people with albinism are being killed for their body parts that are then used in ritual practices. Amnesty says the attacks against albinos has surged over the past 2 years. Four people and a baby were killed in April this year alone.
“The unprecedented wave of brutal attacks against people with albinism has created a climate of terror for this vulnerable group and their families who are living in a state of constant fear for their lives,” said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s director for southern Africa.
“Malawian authorities have dismally failed them, leaving this population group at the mercy of criminal gangs who hunt them down for their body parts,” said Muchena.
Since November 2014 at least 18 people have been murdered, while at least five have been kidnapped and have not been found.
The bones of people with albinism are believed to be sold to practitioners of traditional medicine in Malawi and Mozambique, according to Amnesty. They are used in charms and magical potions in the belief that they attract money and good luck. People also believe the bones of albinos contain gold.
The number of albinos being killed over their body parts is believed to be higher, since many secret rituals in rural areas are never reported. There is also no organized documentation of crimes against albinos, according to Amnesty.
