National Technical Committee Proposes Death Sentences To Convicts On Albino Attacks

The Chairperson of the National Technical Committee on the Abuse of Persons with Albinism in Malawi proposes death penalty as a deterrent to the unending attacks and killings of persons with albinism in the country and that President Peter Mutharika has never spoke against the death penalty.

Penal Code Amendment Bill of 2016, Courts Amendment Bill Passed

Tembenu

The Malawi National Assembly on Friday passed the Penal Code Amendment bill with an aim of addressing the ongoing attacks and killings of persons with albinism as well as protecting persons with any type of disability.

The legislation is proposing life sentences for those found guilty of unlawful exhumation of human corpses particularly remains of persons with disability with intention of having the body tissues to sell or use them in any witchcraft practices.

Penal Code Amendment Bill Proposing Life Sentences, Minimum 21 Years

The Penal Code Amendment Bill of 2016 is proposing life sentences with a minimum of 21 years imprisonment for convicts found in possession, selling, extracting or exhuming tissues of living or dead person.

The bill has just been presented by Minister of Justice and Constitution Affairs, Hon. Samuel Tembenu and is now being debated by the National Assembly.

The principle objective of the bill is to amend the Penal Code, in the wake of attacks on persons with albinism.

Government Ready With Penal Code Amendment That Covers A lot On Albino Attacks

Samuel Tembenu

The Malawi Government says the reviewed penal code bill that broadly tackles the issues of ritual abductions and killings of persons with albinism will be brought to the National Assembly very soon before the ongoing meeting of the House comes to an end.

Minister of Justice and Constitution Affairs, Samuel Tembenu said in an interview that the review process of the penal code has come to an end and this bill will bring the real change in terms of the prosecution of the cases relating to the abductions and killings of persons with albinism unlike the Anatomy Amendment Act which has been passed solely for strengthen sentences.

Anatomy Act Amendment Passing Excites Kalindo; This Is Beginning For Death Penalty

Kalindo

The Mulanje South Legislator, Bon Kalindo has described passing of the Anatomy Amendment Act which is calling for life sentences to convicts guilty of possession of albino tissues and body parts as "battle well fought" and "victory" for him and all Malawians.

"This is a total victory not to me alone, but to all Malawians because this is what we have been waiting for, all along." Said Kalindo

He said the total support given to the bill by all members of Parliament is a clear indication that Malawians are tired and want to end the heinous crimes of abductions and killings of persons with albinism in the country.

Parliament Pass Anatomy Act Amendment: Impose Life Sentences, No Fines

Malawians took to the streets demanding death
Penalty 

Anatomy Act Amendment bill seeking Life Imprisonment has been passed by the National Assembly almost 5 hours after Mulanje South legislator, Bon Kalindo led hundreds to present petition to the National Assembly demanding activation of Death Penalty to convicts on offences related to albino killings.

There was cheers and clapping of hands in the House, showing excitement that finally Malawi will stop ritual killings of persons with albinism through life sentences.

Dowa East legislator, Richard Chimwendo Banda presented the Bill under Private Members Bill to amend Anatomy Act (Cap 34:03) so as to make the commission of offences therein punitive and deterrent.

Kalindo, Demonstrators Warn Parliament 'Malawians Will Act' If Death Penalty On Albino Killings Is Not Accepted

 

Legislator Bon Kalindo has warned Parliament that it will see the wrath of Malawians it if it fails to accept people’s demands of enforcing death penalty to convicted criminals in the on ritual killings and abductions of persons with albinism.

Mulanje South lawmaker, Kalindo who led Malawians on Thursday morning to the National Assembly to present petition demanding death penalty activation, said any action taken by the National Assembly on the death penalty demands will show if legislators listen to Malawians or the country's foreign donors. 

Malawi Death Penalty Protest: Kalindo Pulls Crowd Singing Kill Who Kill Albino

Legislator Bon Kalindo has pulled largest crowd ever, chanting songs demanding death penalty for convicts found guilty in cases of albino killings and attacks.

Kalindo has stunned the onlookers for his courage to go on with naked protests putting on red boxer, vest and headgear. Others have joined him including renowned activist Billy Mayaya who also has put on red shorts and T-shirt.

People Of Kasungu East Want Death Penalty For Albino Killers

Calls for death penalty continues in the National Assembly with latest being Kasungu East legislator who has openly told the House that himself and the entire people of his constituency wants eye for an eye for those perpetrating albino attacks and killings in the country.

Honorable Madalitso Kazombo when contributing to the debate on the motion of State of the National Address delivered by President Peter Muthatika, said appropriate deterrent factor to the unending killings and attacks of persons with albinism would be death penalty.

House Wants Death Penalty To Curb Albino Killings

As ugly waves of attacks and killings of persons with albinism continues in Malawi, it now seem the option left to curb the problem is tit-for tat as a lot of Legislators in the ongoing Meeting of National Assembly wants Malawi to use death penalty as protection of albinos.

Death penalty is currently not used as punishment in the country due to human rights campaigns to end death penalty.

Contrary to growing campaigns against death penalty, a good number of legislators who took the floor on the debate on State of National Address today have expressed their support that death penalty must fall upon the convicted persons involved in attacks and killings of persons with albinism.

Legislators who commented on this have suggested 'the eye- for- an eye' approach for the fact tthat regardless of number of efforts to end the situation seem not to work.

For example, a 38 year old man with albinism was horribly murdered on Tuesday while alone in his garden in Ntcheu district. The mmurderers chopped off his legs, hands and private parts.

One of the Parliamentarian, a Mulanje South legislator, Bon Kalindo joined members who spoke earlier to express support for death penalty and warned that if the debate on albino attacks will fail to come on Friday he will walk out of the House in protest adding that there will be chaos.

"We need to come up with the debate on death penalty." He said "If death penalty does not come tomorrow in this House I will walk out of this House"

He continued "To morrow be the day to make change! To make our persons with albinism walk freely in this country!" He said warning that "If that issue will not come to morrow, and If i will walk out you know what will happen, people will follow me and there will be chaos"

Kalindo agreed with fellow parliamentarians by emphasizing that people killing albinos are being inhuman and persons with albinism must walk free in this country.  

The House which is continuing debate on State of National Address by President Peter Mutharika was on Thursday informed that due to urgency of the albino killings, the Business Committee had agreed that this Friday the House should debate on albino killings which is being described as "National crisis"

Among other things, Hon Kalindo also commended the recent move by Government to deploy Malawi Defense Force to give protection to Mulanje Mountain. He said this will help to protect valuable natural resources found in that mountain but have been neglected for a long time.

"This will make that place a non-go zone" he said "anthu atibulidwako kumeneko"

But he observed that for the deployment of the Army to be effective therefore the group which is currently working to protect the mountain 'Mulanje Conservation Trust' should be forced to pack up and go.

"Those guys have destroyed the natural resources in Mulanje mountain" he added

Malawi Traditional Healers Denies Participating In Albino Attacks

Frank Manyowa

The umbrella body Organization of traditional healers in Malawi suspects foreign immigrants claiming to be traditional healers as being those fueling attacks and killings of people with albinism in the country.

Fingers are pointing at traditional healers for being ones tricking people that body parts of an albino can bring fortune such as wealth.

But Frank Manyowa, President for the Traditional Healers Association of Malawi has cleared Malawian herbalist from the rumours saying  they do not have a hand in these ugly violence.

Manyowa said the group had recently met to hunt for possible perpetrators among their circles following the allegations that it is them perpetrating attacks of persons with albinism. But he said they did not identify Malawian herbalist perpetrating this and therefore concluded that the perpetrators are foreigners who came into the country and claim to be traditional healers.

“We have observed that this is a strange practice and we have never had this situation before in the country.” He noted

“We have noted that with recent influx of foreigners particularly those that are claiming to be traditional healers coming from various countries including Tanzania are possibly ones who have brought this." He said, and explained "Because we have learnt that a number of Traditional Healers have fled from Tanzania into Malawi because of tough regulations there”

While distancing themselves by stressing that Malawi traditional healers are clean from these evil he described these killings as "witchcraft rituals" which he said they don’t condone and condemn in strongest terms. 

The traditional healers president indicated that their grouping is guided by code of conduct which does not allow any of their member to practice magic and drawing distinction between real traditional healer and sham traditional healers, he said real traditional healers only provide herbs and medicine to heal specific illnesses while the fake ones claim to multiply money and do all sorts of magic just to steal from people. 

He disclosed that their association has resolved to register all traditional healers and that those who may shun the excercise will never be allowed to practice their medicine in the country.

“From today, I would like to announce that we will not allow any traditional healer to make adverts on radio without our approval” announced Manyowa who expressed his disappointed that the issue of albino attacks has badly affected thier businesses

He further asked Courts to give life sentences to culprits found guilty in these attacks and hinted that they will be conducting sensitization across the country to stop people from believing false rumours that albino body parts can bring wealth.

Ministry of Justice Response To Albino Killings

Meanwhile, Neverson Chisiza a Senior State Advocate in the Ministry of Justice and Prosecutor for the cases of albino said the ministry is revisiting the operations of the Traditional Healers to ensure that they meet standards. 

He among other things mentioned that the ministry has placed focus on the cases of albino attacks and killings and that “This matter has been given seriousness it deserve” 

He disclosed that for immediate solutions on sentencing, his office has already sent some proposed provisions that are calling for stiffer sentences to Solicitor General  which include capital punishment for being found in possession with fresh body parts and bones while for exhumation of bones is the proposed sentence is “not less than life imprisonment”

Chisiza mentioned also that the ministry of Justice is in the process of reviewing some laws such as Anatomy Act, to ensure that courts are handing stiffer sentences to culprits, letting all cases involving albinism be handled by professional magistrates and that the Ministry is also working on handbook that have all provisions for the charges to do with attacks on persons with albinism to guide prosecution in such cases.

As some are continuing with attacks and killings of persons with albinism, police have said they have established that there are no markets for body parts or bones of persons with albinism as it is alleged.

Stan Kaliza, a Senior Deputy Commissioner of Police at Police Headquarters said all culprits who have been arrested so far, have confessed that the time of their arrests they were stranded walking around with albino bones and body parts for they had no clue of where to sell the parts.

“The culprits caught so far have told police that they killed an albino or exhumed their bones just because they heard rumors that having those parts is a hot business, so they were just walking around with the body parts. There is no market all and this is just completely unfounded rumours.” He said 

Albino Grouping Urge Parliament To Allocate Resources, Review Necessary Laws For Fight Against Albino Killings

Bonface Massah

Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) stresses that the ongoing Budget Meeting of the National Assembly should allocate resources for the fight against dreadful attacks and killings of persons with albinism.

President for the association, Bonface Massah said resources are needed to fight the criminals who are adept in the attacks and added that relevant legislations also be reviewed in this Meeting of National Assembly to support the prosecution of cases of albino attacks.

Massah was speaking at the press briefing in Lilongwe on Wednesday, when the National Technical Committee on Abuse of Persons with Albinism in Malawi chaired by Dr. Hetherwick Ntaba was providing details of progress and action plan for response to the abductions, killings and exhumation of the remains of persons with albinism.

He warned that if the Parliamentarians will spend time in the House without addressing the problem then “They are killing us”

He stressed that the response to the problem should not only be the word of mouth but with resources and that “Investigations must be urgent” as well.

On Tuesday, Malawi has recorded a fresh brutal murder in Ntcheu district of a male albino aged 38 who has been identified by police as Fletcher Masina picture found here He was attacked while in his garden and attackers chopped off his arms, legs and private parts.

Referring to this case, Massah said even him as person championing the rights of persons with albinism is not safe and that without concrete efforts to curb the situation, persons with albinism will all die. 

He also called for speedy prosecution involving albino attacks.

Later in an interview, Massah said “Government has accepted that this is a crisis and that is why we are calling Parliament to also address this with a crisis response. Normally parliament has mandate to allocate resources when we have crisis or disasters in our country and this is one clear a crisis that we are experiencing in Malawi that needs urgent attention by our parliament.” 

He said adequate budgetary allocation should be channeled to the Ministry of Health in order to address the health needs of people with albinism, to Ministry of Home Affairs for Police investigations and police trainings on how to tackle the problem.

“Parliament must ensure that each budget that they are passing this year must have clear response to our needs and even setting aside special funds that will really respond to the current crisis that we are experiencing like to deal with altitudes and special needs that people with albinism have.” He stressed

He also explained that apart from resources, people with albinism wants the House to review weak laws that Malawians have been highlighting as one of the contributing factor to the lighter sentences that courts have been handing to convicted criminals. 

“That is also a key role that Parliament must play to support the response that has been taken by various stakeholders.” He emphasized

Technical Committee’s Work Progress

Ntaba

Chairperson for the Committee, Hetherwick Ntaba announced that short term actions have been identified by his committee and there is progress in terms of implementation.

“The mapping exercise to identify the population of person with albinism across the country for targeted interventions has started and is being coordinated by the Ministry of Local Government. The ministry will involve the TAs (Traditional Authorities), Group Village Heads and Village Heads in this task” disclosed Ntaba expressing hope that this will make it possible to reach many of the persons with albinism 

He outlined that there will be continued awareness campaigns on albinism issues to stop attacks, speedy investigations and prosecutions of criminal suspects, investigative and intelligence research to establish loot cause of attacks, regulation of traditional healers since the attacks are allegedly perpetrated by myth that body parts of albinos can bring fortunes when used in magic.

On health related needs for persons with albinism Ntaba said the Ministry of Health shall provide sunscreen lotions, supply of protective clothing including hats and sunglasses to persons with albinism. 

“They will also alert their clinicians to look out for possible skin cancer complications in patients with albinism at the clinics” he added

Mr. Ntaba further mentioned that Ministry of Education will also put into Boarding Schools with appropriate security arrangements all children who are failing to go to school for fear of being attacked.

Ntaba also hinted that there are mid- and long-term plans lined up for implementation and would like to have the National Response Plan on attacks of persons with albinism fully implemented. He mentioned that the plan will among other things trainings for magistrates, police prosecutors and investigators, and address health needs for the persons with albinism.

Ntaba also noted that although the committee does not have resources, a lot can be done without finances because this is a human issue that requires collect efforts by being each brother’s keeper. However, he said resources are necessary but “let not lack of resources stop us from protecting persons with albinism”

Persons with albinism in Malawi are being attacked, killed and even their remains exhumed due to the disbelief that their body parts can grant benefits such as wealth. 

On 5th May 2016, President Peter Mutharika instituted the National Technical Committee on Abuse of Persons with Albinism in Malawi with mandate of discussing and reach agreements with all stakeholders and oversee implementation of agreements, initiatives and strategies with an aim of ending increased and gross violation of human rights of persons with albinism. 

The multi-sectoral committee comprises institution such as Office of President and Cabinet, Line Ministries of Information, Gender, Justice, Health, Home Affairs, Local Government and Education. It also included Malawi Police Service, the Judiciary, The Association of People with Albinism, Association of Traditional Healers, and Citizens Alliance representing civil society organizations in Malawi. There are also stakeholders from the donor community.

PP Tells Govt To Save Albinos Now

Uladi

Peoples Party (PP) says plans set by Government to end abductions and killings of people with albinism will begin to bear fruits years after all albinos are killed and called Government to implement immediate plans. 

PP acting President and the party’s leader in Parliament, Uladi Mussa pointed out that plans to train personnel and sending representatives to Tanzania to learn best practices leaves room for criminals to continue with attacks and killings, but registering all albinos and guarding them by community policing will solve the problem.

Mussa was speaking in the National Assembly on Monday evening when responding to State of the National Address delivered by President Peter Mutharika on Friday.

He said this when highlighting number of security issues which he said PP is of the view that the country is in the security breakdown.

“There is complete security breakdown in this country.” He said mentioning the abductions and killings of people with albinism, gruesome robbery killings, rampant cart thefts, mob justice, killings of elderly persons who are suspected of witchcraft, random killings of innocent people, theft of drugs in hospitals and health centers making people feel insecure

“The idea of training of 250 personnel or having case studies in Tanzania, as the President has suggested, will not offer immediate solution to the current plight of people with albinism in the Country.” He noted saying PP view this as “a long term plan whose impact is likely to come long after all people with albinism have all been killed”

“When fire breakout, the immediate solution is not to build a Fire Station but, to stop the fire!” stressed the PP leader

“This being the case, the Peoples Party would like to suggest that total protection be provided forthwith to people with albinism by registering them in all the district assemblies we have in this country and providing them with adequate security either through police officers or community policing.” Mussa said and continued “In this regard I would like to inform the Minister of Home Affairs that in addition to police officers, we can use community policing, so that people can guard them here and there throughout the country but after knowing where they are staying.” He emphasized

PP acting President mentioned that there was need to mention short term plans that may protect the people with albinism and end the killings now.

“What will be happening? Will these criminals wait for that long term plan, because training them going to Tanzania, having case study, will these criminals wait for them? That is why we are saying we need to come up with protective measures.” He wondered later in an interview

Commenting on agriculture and hunger Uladi Mussa said Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Government has not taken the Agriculture sector as a priority particularly because it is failing to allocate more resources to irrigation in order to eradicate hunger in this country.

He even recalled that President Mutharika's address only indicated of providing funds to ADMARC but failed to disclose amount of money allocated to ADMARC for buying food.

He futher mentioned that there are signs of poor Governance and that State of National Address failed to cover key areas that affect ordinary Malawians.

He also called for decisive plans to take Malawi to road to recovery and also take blames and not shifting it to natural calamities all the time and remined the Government that “The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is the power to harm us.”

Mussa even described the President Speech as “hotchpotch (Nansanganya) of operational reports hurriedly thrown together with no attempt at establishing overall strategic direction or policy linkages across the sectors.”

He among other things said 3 years since the DPP Government was voted into power the problems continue to get out of hand “and our people are angry, bitter and impatient.” He said people want action and not ideas only

“We cannot continue to have a Government that simply joins in to lament together with the people as if it has no tools to normalize the situation.” Said Mussa

Mussa in his remarks said there is no impact to the budgets that the House continue to pass which now for a period of 2 years it amounts to K1.7 trillion (2014/2015 – K760 billion and 2015/2016 – K906 billion).

CHRR, Cedep Cautions Legislatures On ATI Bill

Trapence and Mtambo

Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) and Centre for Development of People (Cedep) warns Legislatures not to pass Access to Information Bill (ATI) in its present form saying it is adulterated bill.

A statement reacting to President Peter Mutharika State of National Address, from the two organisations says presently, grey areas in the Access to Information bill include: Scrapping of a provision that information holders should disclose information in the public interest such as unauthorised use of public funds; The introduction of fees for Malawians to access to information; and the Removal of provision which would have enabled people to demand information before the law was enacted

The ATI bill will be officially presented in the National Assembly for tabling by Information Minister during this Third Meeting of 46th Session of Parliament, to consider the 2016/2017 National Budget.

Timothy Mtambo and Gift Trapence executive directors for CHRR and Cedep respectively,  expressed in a the Statement today that " In the first place, CHRR and Cedep commend the President for indicating that the long-awaited Access to Information Bill would be tabled in Parliament within the session. We, at CHRR and Cedep, however, would like to reiterate our calls on parliamentarians to exercise democratic maturity by addressing all the undemocratic elements in the adulterated bill to reflect the spirit and purpose of the bill in a Malawian democracy."

They mentioned that they find the mentioned grey areas a regrettable attempt by government to render the Access to Information law toothless in this democratic dispensation. 

"The law, if enacted in its gazetted version, will fall short of addressing key issues such as Cashgate as well as other forms of power-abuse, among other vices." Adds the statement  

Among others the statement from CHRR and Cedep further call Government to go an extra mile in expediting prosecuting cases involving cash-gate and people with albinisms.

On cases involving people with albinisms, CHRR and Cedep bemoaned that cases of abductions and killings of people with albinism continue to escalate at alarming rate regardless of the recent stiffer sentences Courts are handing to convinced criminals.

"All this points to the fact that more needs to be done." Observe the statement suggesting that Malawi Police Service (MPS) and community relationship is key to prevention of abduction, exhumation and killing of people with albinism. 

"Government through MPS ought to strengthen its community outreach structures such as community policing in dealing with the vice" adds the statement 

The statement further calls upon parliamentarians to exercise democratic maturity and patriotism as they conduct their deliberations on behalf of Malawians who are facing numerous challenges in their daily lives.

Malawi Ready “To Deal Accordingly” With Albino Attackers

President Peter Mutharika has warned people masterminding barbaric attacks and killings of people with albinism that they will be dealt with “accordingly” if they don’t stop the malpractice.

He was speaking at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Thursday evening when he met with the Association of People with Albinism in Malawi (APAM)

“I want to assure you that my Government will not tolerate this malpractice, which has brought fear and sense of insecurity among persons with albinism, their relatives and friends. This is evil, and a threat to the most fundamental human rights in our constitution. And we will deal accordingly with those that are associated with this barbaric act.” Warned Mutharika

“I would like to repeat my warning to would-be offenders: Stop abducting, maiming, killing or exhuming remains of people with albinism. Do not even think or plan anything in that line. You will be sorry for the rest of your life.” Emphasized Mutharika

This was a very significant encounter with the group in terms of discussing and map the way forward in protecting and promoting the life and rights of people with albinism who are being attacked for the misbelief that their body parts brings fortune.

At the very beginning the Malawi leader said the meeting with APAM was “serious business” and a clear testimony of the commitment that the Government and the Association have, to protect and promote the life and rights of people with albinism.

President Mutharika who reminded APAM that he has been making several pronouncements before on the matter, said the audience with them was mainly seeking to hear directly from APAM about their experiences, views on government efforts so far, and proposals that Government must execute in order to end this barbaric act.

“It is disheartening to learn of the rising incidences of abductions, killings and exhumations of the remains of people with albinism.” He said “Two months ago, we were talking of about 50 cases. Today, we have 66 cases recorded, for abductions, trespassing of graveyards, being found with human bones, suicide, assault of bodily harm, conduct likely to cause breach of peace, and killings of people with albinism.” Recounts Mutharika 

Mutharika indicated that as of Wednesday, now total registered cases of albino attacks is at 66, whereby there has been; 14 Kidnappings, 6 Killing, 3 Missing Persons, 28 Tampering with graveyard, 2 Assault of bodily hard, 1 Conduct Likely to cause breach of peace and 12 Found with human bones.

The President further mentioned that police investigations have shown that almost every district people with albinism are living in danger unlike in the past where the cases were happening in few districts.

“But Government has intensified the fight, and has so far arrested 69 suspects, and is prosecuting them.” Said Mutharika and thanked all who tipped off police about the suspects then called upon all Malawians to be vigilant and report any suspected cases to the nearest police

“We should all be our brother’s keeper.”  He appealed but reminded people not to use mob justice once they apprehend suspects by urging, “Please report them to police.” 

He in the same vein urged Traditional Leaders and all Malawians to protect persons with albinism “Let us work with the police to establish community policing in our areas and report to the police any suspicious characters. Let me also ask the Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare and her counterparts to urgently engage the Traditional Healers Association of Malawi to come up with ways on how to eliminate these atrocities of persons with albinism.”

President Mutharika mentioned that Government is taking serious steps against this criminal behavior and added “we are overcoming it.”

He mentioned that Government has intensified surveillance and investigations, and also intensified working relationship with the APAM. 

“I have also set up a technical Committee which will monitor the implementation of the initiatives that Government has put in place to curb the malpractices. The Committee comprises officials from Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Office of the President and Cabinet, Police, Intelligence, Ministries of Home Affairs and Internal Security and Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The Committee will report to my office on the progress being made.”

While thanking Police for the job well done so far in apprehending the culprits, Mutharika also asked them to do more. 

“Abducting, maiming, killing or exhuming the remains of people with albinism is criminal. Treat the suspects accordingly. I know you have secured 12 successful convictions and 2 acquittals. Let’s keep aiming higher.” He urged then also commended the Judiciary for prioritizing cases, and encouraged them to consider giving the stiffest sentences to the culprits

Mr. Bonface Massah, President of the Association of People with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) who spoke on behalf of the Trustees of the APAM and members of the delegation said people with albinism are in danger.

“It is clear that we are still living in great fear and it is clear that we are still facing a lot of challenges in terms of stigma and discrimination and it is really true that until today Malawi hasn’t had a perfect solution to end this attack.” Said Massah who hoped that the recommendations from the meeting will address the current challenges

He said this is a worrisome situation and warned that with current population of people with albinism and current pattern of attacks if nothing is done to stem the tide, then all people born with albinism faces risk of systematic extinction in next ten years. 

He also expressed gratitude with Government decision to establish a special taskforce on the matter “We hope it will bring out key changes in the lives of persons with albinism. For the past years it is very clear we have failed as a nation but we believe this is a new chapter for all people with albinism in Malawi to really reflect on the current situation and immediately have interventions that will address our current challenges.”

Before the meeting was held in camera, President Mutharika also announced that his Government will, on 13th June this year, join the rest of the world in commemorating the International Albinism Awareness Day, in line with the United Nations General Assembly resolution 69/170 of 18 December 2014.

Malawi is registering frequent reports of attacks, abductions and killings of Persons with albinism and even the remains are robbed from graveyards. These atrocities occur due to the misbelief that their body parts can grant benefits such as wealth and good luck when used in witchcraft. The body parts allegedly sell for high prices, on the black market.

United Nations Independent Expert on the rights of persons with albinism, Ikponwosa Ero who recently paid visit to Malawi to assess situation of people with albinism from April 18 to 29, 2016, requested Government to put its efforts into action if the battle to end attacks and killings of people with albinism is to be won.

“The situation of people with albinism in Malawi is critical, this is not business as usual it requires urgent reaction.” Noted Ero and called on African leaders to treat issue of albino killings just like they are treating issues of saving elephants from extinction

Ero further encouraged Malawi to focus on the investigation to identify the markets for body parts and final recipients including addressing the root cause of these atrocities.

UN Independent Expert Calls For Action To End Albino Killings

The United Nations Independent Expert on the rights of persons with albinism, Ikponwosa Ero has asked Malawi Government to put its efforts into action if the battle to end attacks and killings of people with albinism is to be won.

She made the call in Lilongwe at the end of her first visit to Malawi to assess situation of people with albinism from April 18 to 29, 2016.

While welcoming the launch of the Government’s Response Plan on albino attacks in March 2015 and commend its content, Ero feared that the absence of resources attached to the plan has drastically delayed its implementation.

“Such an emergency situation needs an emergency response, and I saw insufficient action taken to date." Observed Ero 

She stressed that stronger leadership, a greater profile, and elevation for the issue is necessary along with the provision of adequate resources, which could be found, for example, within the Office of the President and Cabinet under the leadership of a high ranking official.

"If such a solution is adopted, it should include the expertise of the Department of Disability of the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare." She emphasised 

Ero said although Malawi has done well in terms of condemning attacks, however there is need to “turn” speeches “into action because action so far has been week”, “In terms of political will in comparison to what I have seen happening elsewhere, I would give them (Malawi) an eight over ten, on action they are not passing” she said 

Malawi is registering frequent reports of attacks, abductions and killings of Persons with albinism and even the remains are robbed from graveyards. These atrocities occur due to the misbelief that their body parts can grant benefits such as wealth and good luck when used in witchcraft. The body parts allegedly sell for high prices, on the black market.

To date, according to the police, 65 cases have been registered since late 2014. At least two other incidents occurred while the expert was in the country.

Ikponwosa Ero has since warned that the atrocities faced by persons with albinism in Malawi render them “an endangered people group facing a risk of systemic extinction over time if nothing is done.”

The UN expert has described the Malawi situation as “an emergency, a crisis disturbing in its proportions.” 

“Given the relatively small population size of people with albinism in Malawi - reported to be a little less than ten thousand - attacks against a few of them constitutes a danger to all of them,” she stressed.

While in Malawi, Ero observed that persons with albinism and parents of children with albinism are not living peacefully since abductions are occurring from homes that do not have wooden doors or locks.

She indicated in her report that due to constant fear, persons with albinism cannot walk alone and for the safety measures persons with albinism particularly children have dropped out of school and that even their parents have stopped attending to their gardens as they need to stay home to protect their children.

The expert further found the situation as “disturbing” because of the frequent involvement of close relatives in cases of attacks making persons with albinism unable to trust even those who are supposed to care for and protect them.

“The situation of people with albinism in Malawi is critical, this is not business as usual it requires urgent reaction.” Noted Ero in an interview while calling African leader to treat issue of albino killings just like they are treating issues of saving elephants from extinction

“These are human beings that are facing similar endangerment so we require critical response. This is an emergency and it requires emergency response.” She stressed  

The expert said the other best way that Malawi can eradicate the problem is to address the root causes of attacks, in particular why they are happening. 

“Enhanced Investigative research is necessary.” She noted, “To date, no investigation has been identified neither the markets for body parts or final recipients. Too often it is only perpetrators at the end of the chain that are caught and sentenced, while those commissioning the offence are not apprehended. Stronger cooperation between Police and Department of Public Prosecutions and adequate resources will facilitate the collection of evidence needed to fight the demand side of this macabre market”

Ero has recomended stiffer sentences to convicted criminals that reflect the gravity of the crime, amendment of some outdated legislations and stop granting bails to suspects as their early return to communities increases the fear among persons with albinism.

She observed that more immediate measures are necessary, such as a judicial direction that cases be handled only by professional magistrates. She also recommended training for police, prosecutors and magistrates to increase knowledge of the current legislative framework applicable to these cases.

The UN expert also recommended basic interventions such as providing security features such as iron bars and proper doors in the homes and schools where people with albinism lives as well as creating help line and appointing a person with albinism to high ranking positions.

Furthermore, recomendations also calls for urgent and coordinated response from the Government, civil society and development partners working in strong partnership with each other, stressing the principle of ‘nothing about us without us’, which includes the involvement of organizations of persons with albinism at every step, where the process cannot be led directly by them.

Among others, Ero has commended the protection measures adopted by community police and some traditional authorities as well as the support provided by communities to their members with albinism. 

“The quick intervention of neighbours during attacks has in various cases led to the rescue of persons with albinism and to the arrest of perpetrators,” she said

The Independent Expert will produce a full report and recommendations to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2017.

UN Rights Expert To Assess Situation Of Attacks Of Albinos in Malawi

Ikponwosa Ero

United Nations Independent Expert Ikponwosa Ero will visit the country to assess the human rights situation of the people with Albinism.

A statement from Geneva dated April 14th 2016, indicates that the monitoring visit by Ms. Ero from 18 to 29 April 2016, comes as reports of the attacks of persons with albinism and the sale of their body parts continue to surface in the country.

“I look forward to this first official mission to evaluate the situation of human rights of persons with albinism in Malawi, make concrete recommendations, and identify good practices to promote regionally,” said Ms. Ero, who visits the country at the invitation of the Government.

UN says this is the first country visit ever by the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism since the Human Rights Council established the mandate in March 2015.

“Attacks of persons with albinism and the sale of their body parts will be one of the main focusses of my visit. Yet, I cannot separate these crimes from other relevant and contributing human rights issues faced by this group in the spheres of health, disability, education, harmful traditional practices, among others,” she stressed.

The Independent Expert is tasked to report on developments and obstacles to enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism; identify and promote good practices; and combat stereotypes, prejudices, harmful traditional practices and beliefs that hinder the enjoyment of their human rights.

During her two-week visit, the human rights expert will travel to Lilongwe, Machinga, Zomba, Phalombe and Kasungu. She will meet with representatives of the executive, legislative and judicial branches, local and territorial authorities, the Malawi Human Rights Commission, civil society groups, including organisations of persons with albinism, and members of the diplomatic community. 

“I also give particular importance to meeting with persons with albinism as well as families affected by violations of the human rights of persons with albinism,” Ms. Ero added.

At the end of her visit, on Friday 29 April 2016, the expert will share with the media her preliminary observations at a press conference but will present a comprehensive report on her visit to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2017. 

Ms. Ikponwosa Ero from Nigeria was designated in June 2015 as the first UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism by the Human Rights Council.

Malawi Police Strategize to End Albino Attacks, Killings

• Strategies include; physical identification of households with people living with albinism as well as schools they go to

• Police condemns the albino killings

Kachama greeting President Mutharika

The Malawi Police Service has warned that it will not sit back and watch the misdemeanor of attacks, abductions and killings of people born albino as it says police are alert and ready to apprehend any person perpetrating such violence.

In an interview after President Peter Mutharika had addressed the nation on albino attacks on Thursday Inspector General of Police (IG) Lexten Kachama, said Commissioners from all regions of the country had a meeting where they devised strategies to completely end this crime and not reduce it.

“We the police are strongly condemning and warning all perpetrators of the unbecoming criminal behavior of killing, abducting and even selling people with albinism in the country and therefore wishes to strongly warn any would be perpetrators of such and barbaric acts that the police will not sit back and watch while this unbecoming and worrisome trend takes root in the country.”

Kachama then assured that the situation is currently being well managed as several strategies have been put in place by Police

He mentioned; physical identification of households with people living with albinism as well as schools where people with albinism goes to and engaging with traditional, religious and community leaders in support of efforts of protecting rights of people with albinism.

The Malawi Police IG further said police are enhancing Community Policing structures as well as mainstreaming issues of people living with albinism including enhancing intelligence collection to identify source, nature of markets and final destination of the alleged trade.

“We will provide maximum security in the country to all” he assured, “However we would like to urge parents, relations and guardians of people living with albinism to exercise extra security precautionary measures in protecting people with albinism at all times.”

“The community at large should also take a leading role by reporting suspects, suspected strangers whether trying propose marriage or pretending to be on business in their areas” he appealed and emphasized that “Police alone cannot succeed to combat this malpractice but with public support we can really succeed. Please everyone should take this noble cause assisting police as we are trying hard to end and not reduce these criminal acts”

Kachama, has thanked all stakeholders especially ministry of gender, the judiciary, traditional leaders and faith leaders for their efforts in this fight. He as well, expressed thanks general public for support given to police on tips that have assisted to arrest some of the suspects.

The IG has dispelled any myth that surrounds albino attacks and killings, “Regrettably, incidences of attacks against people living with albinism are allegedly fueled by beliefs that body parts of people with albinism bring good luck and fortune which is very unfortunate situation. What is important in this matter is to note that these people with albinism are just ordinary people like anyone else and that their body parts do not posses any supernatural powers.” 

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Hon. Paul Chibingu also echoed the IG’s appeal that the general public should play major role in providing information to police in order to end this malpractice.

Asked if Malawi is working closely with neighboring countries like Tanzania where albino attacks and killings were first reported before Malawi, the Minister said “At ministry level we haven’t yet contacted our friends how they have combated the problem but am sure in due course we will consult our friends to see if at all they have completely managed that problem and how they did it”

The most recent incidences of albino attacks happened in Zomba where a 2 year old baby with albinism was snatched from a fellow 10 year old sibling, but fortunately the baby was rescued by neighbors as the suspect tried to run away. Police have also arrested a suspect in Mangochi in connection with selling of his nephew with albinism who according to Inspector General of Police the suspect is assisting police as so far, eight suspects have been arrested connected to the issue of albinism.

Furthermore, another suspect named Saidi Mpunga aged 32 is in police custody in neighboring Mozambique answering murder charge of albino and is expected to be brought back to Malawi to answer another charge of killing an albino girlfriend in Mulanje.

President Mutharika Sends Strong Warning on Albino Killings

• Condemned albino attacks, abductions and killings

• Describes the malpractice as inhuman and barbaric 

The Malawi President Professor Peter Mutharika finally speaks out against the ‘barbaric’ killings of people born albino- by making a strong warning that his government will hunt down perpetrators without relent until apprehended and justice take its course.

Mutharika was speaking on Thursday afternoon at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, where in his succinct speech he has condemned the act in strongest terms and described albino killings as “in human and barbaric acts”

“As commander In Chief of Malawi Defense Force and the Malawi Police Services, my message to those perpetrating this is that, we will hunt you down and not relent until apprehended and justice takes full course on you” he said and send his and the First Lady’s message of condolence to families that lost their beloved ones through such “inhuman acts”

President Mutharika while expressing shock of the widespread reports from media of attacks, abductions and killings of albino, he said attacks of people with albinism is evil and threat to human right to life for all human beings enshrined in the republican constitution.

He said he has made a directive to Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Inspector General of Police and all security agencies to be on “high alert” and arrest all people responsible for attacks, abductions and killings of albino.

“I have further directed the Minister, Inspector General and all security agencies to provide maximum protection to our brothers and sisters with albinism”

The Malawi leader has called upon Judiciary to speedup trials for all suspects arrested in connection with attacks and killings of albino so that they move in one direction as government in stopping this vice.

President Mutharika further appealed to all people of good will to cooperate with security agents in reporting all suspected people involved in such barbaric acts. He has assured the nation that he will not allow people born with albinism to live in fear of losing their lives because of their condition following some peoples “unreasonable beliefs”  

Communities, Police Tightens Security on Albino Abduction in Salima

Communities, Police Tightens Security on Albino Abduction in Salima

Communities and Police in the district of Salima have join hands in the fight against killings of people born albino by tightening security in all the communities.

The development comes as Salima Police in the week ending on Saturday 14th March, 2015, were sensitizing Salima communities of the significance of protecting albinos by reporting to police, cases and suspected persons to be perpetrators of the of albino abduction. 

Salima district Police Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Gift Chitowe said police encounter with communities has led to revamping and establishing community policing Forums as their message has been warmly welcomed

“The incidents of albino abduction and hacking of their body parts is now a big issue in this country, we know that the lives of our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters born albino are in danger” he said, “As Salima Police we thought, it is imperative that we communicate with members of the general public on the importance of collaboration in the efforts of safeguarding lives of albinos in the district.”

Sgt. Chitowe emphasized “We cannot end this malpractice without effective engagement with communities” and added, “We are happy that we received a warm welcome because people have promised to protect albinos and report suspects or any case to Police”

Salima Police PRO also mentioned that Community Policing Coordinator Prisca Maulana throughout the meetings assured communities that police will ensure that Community Policing group members are trained so that they conduct their duties professionally.

Chitowe said police in the district are pursuing one suspected case of albino abduction following disappearance of an albino man who used to be found at Salima Metro shop “We are continuing with our investigations to establish if his disappearance is a result of abduction or if he moved somewhere else”

Cases of albino abduction for human parts are on the increase in Malawi where, more than dozen cases have been reported and many have been arrested for being found in possession of bones and body parts suspected to belong to albino person. Each passing week, there are reported cases of either missing albino or exhumation of albino graves.