Albinos in Malawi being hunted for their body parts for witchcraft on the rise, says Amnesty

An increase in the number of attacks on people with albinism in Malawi since late 2014 by people seeking their body parts for witchcraft prompted Amnesty International to call on Tuesday for authorities to do more to punish those responsible.

The human rights group said April was the bloodiest month for attacks on albinos in the southern African nation, with four people murdered including a child aged under two. The child’s father and four others have been arrested.

In the past 19 months authorities in Malawi have recorded the murders of 18 albinos and abduction of five others although Amnesty fears the real number is likely to be higher as many attacks in secretive rituals in rural areas are never reported.

The body parts of albinos – who lack pigment in their skin, hair and eyes – are believed to bring wealth and good luck and are prized in witchcraft for use in charms and magical potions.

“The unprecedented wave of brutal attacks against people with albinism has created a climate of terror for this vulnerable group and their families,” said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s director for southern Africa.