Killings and dismemberment of albinos in Malawi have been alarmingly rising in the past two years. This has prompted United Nations (UN) expert Ikponwosa Ero to call for action as she revealed that albino limbs and other body parts are sold at a high price to witchcraft doctors.
Surge of Killings & Dismemberment Of Albinos In Malawi
Ero, the UN's independent expert on human rights and albinism, told the Daily Mail that the albinos in Malawi are facing total extinction if violence against them would not be addressed promptly. She revealed that the police has already recorded more than 65 cases of violence against people with albinism starting late 2014, most of which include killings and dismemberment.
Ero stated that the surge of killings and dismemberment of albinos in Malawi "constitutes an emergency, a crisis disturbing in its proportions." The UN expert urged the Malawian government to take action as soon as possible to prevent the "systematic extinction" of people with albinism in the country.
Albinos In Malawi Are 'Money,' Limbs Used For Witchcraft
Ero attributed the surge of killings and dismemberment of albinos in Malawi to the culture of using albino limbs for witchcraft. She divulged that the full set of body parts of people with albinism is sold for more than £50,000 to witchcraft doctors in Tanzania, a neighboring country of Malawi.
Ero, who conducted a 12-day assessment of the treatment of people with albinism in the southeastern African country, also disclosed that she is particularly alarmed that the albinos in Malawi are tagged as "money" by passers-by. "Even in death, they do not rest in peace as their remains are robbed from graveyards," the UN expert revealed.
Albinos In Malawi Fear For Their Lives
According to CNN, the total population of albinos in Malawi is about 10,000. The body parts of people with albinism are believed to bring wealth and prosperity. This has been the reason why albinos in several African countries are regularly killed or dismembered alive.
Ero said that albinos in Malawi, including family members of people with albinism, are living in fear of attack. She added that most of them cannot sleep peacefully and have restricted their movement.
"We talk about protecting wildlife while not even prioritizing efforts in protecting people with albinism, Ero opined. "They are an endangered people group facing a risk of systemic extinction over time if nothing is done."
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