Albinism

The UN in Malawi has condemned the continuing killings of people with albinism in the country and called on the Malawi government to redouble efforts to stop it.

The call follows latest brutal attack and killing of a 54-year-old man with albinism on the eve of New Year in the lakeshore district of Nkhata Bay in northern Malawi.

Malawi Police reports indicate that attackers broke into the victim’s house during the night on the eve of New Year and killed him.

A statement by acting UN Resident Coordinator in Malawi, Mr Benoit Thiry, described the killing as a great setback.

“This latest attack and other violations perpetrated against persons with albinism are a setback to the concerted efforts in the protection of people with albinism,” it said.

The UN has further asked Malawi government to implement the National Action Plan on Persons with Albinism which addresses the root causes of the attacks on persons with albinism.

The Malawi Police have arrested four men aged between 19 and 37, all from the same lakeshore district, who are suspected to be behind the brutal killing.

Malawi President, Peter Mutharika, has also condemned the continuing attacks and he has since urged all security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Since 2013, when attacks on people with albinism became rife in Malawi, about 150 reported attacks have been recorded with about 22 killings as of April 2018.

(Xinhua/NAN)