Malawi failing to protect albino community: Amnesty
Rights body raises alarm over attacks against people with albinism, but government dubs Amnesty report as "unfair".
The Malawian government has failed to protect people with albinism, leaving this group to the mercy of criminal gangs who hunt for their body parts, Amnesty International has said.
In a new report released on Tuesday, the rights body said the attacks on people with albinism over the past two years were "unprecedented" and that a lack of action on the part of authorities has created a "climate of terror" for those living with the condition.
According to the Malawi Police Services, at least 69 people with albinism have been attacked in Malawi since 2014. Amnesty said that at least 18 people have been killed, five others abducted since November 2014. At least four were killed in April 2016 alone.
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Body parts belonging to people with albinism have become sought after in areas of southern and eastern Africa. Some believe they contain magical powers, leading to reports of them being sold on the black market.
While attacks have routinely taken place in Tanzania and Kenya and Burundi, "albino hunters" appeared to have moved on Malawi over the past 18 months in particular.
The report released by Amnesty, entitled "We are not animals to be hunted or sold" described the severity of the attacks, including mutilation and dismembering.
The report alleges that police lacked the adequate training and skills to investigate such crimes. It further raised concerns over the police officers' ability to take human rights abuses endured by people with albinism seriously.
"Some police officers carry the same prejudices against people with albinism that exists within the wider Malawian society," the report said.
It's a claim Patricia Kaliati, Malawi's minister of information, vehemently denies. Kaliati said that her government was "doing everything possible to protect this community".
"For Amnesty to suggest we are doing nothing is not helpful and not fair," she told Al Jazeera.
Bonface Massah, the head of the Association of People with Albinism in Malawi, welcomed the report, calling it "a very positive development" for those with albinism.
Bonface Massah, the head of the Association of People with Albinism in Malawi, welcomed the report, calling it "a very positive development" for those with albinism.
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"It has highlighted the attacks and also has shed light on the deep-rooted social issues facing those with albinism in the country and gives us an opportunity to address it.
Living conditions have become so difficult for those with albinism in Malawi, that in April, United Nations expert Ikponwosa Ero, said if nothing was done, they risked "systematic extinction".
There are an estimated 7,000-10,000 people living with albinism in Malawi out of a population of 16.5 million.
"The situation is a potent mix of poverty, witchcraft beliefs and market forces which push people to do things for profit," Ero told Al Jazeera.
According to a report released by the Red Cross, witch doctors in neighbouring Tanzania were willing to pay as much as $75,000 for a complete set of albino body parts - including all four limbs, genitals, ears, tongue and nose.
Simeon Mawanza, Amnesty's researcher for southern Africa, who worked on the report, said that tracking down the buyers was still the most obscure piece of the puzzle. "The source, we are still searching for the source of these attacks," he told Al Jazeera.
The report also found that people with albinism suffered "widespread societal discrimination including verbal abuse and exclusion from accessing basic public services".
The report also found that people with albinism suffered "widespread societal discrimination including verbal abuse and exclusion from accessing basic public services".
Experts say that people with albinism also endured discrimination at schools and hospitals.
Citation:
Essa, Azad. "Malawi Failing to Protect Albino Community: Amnesty." Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera Media Network, 7 June 2016. Web. 7 June 2016. <http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/06/malawi-failing-protect-albino-community-amnesty-160607121919448.html>.
Response:
Our family friend warned his albino nephew to be careful not to
travel alone and to stay away from large crowds. A couple weeks later the
nephew went missing and his uncle was accused by family members to having sold
his nephew to witch doctors for his body parts. When he said he was only
warning the nephew, the family called the police and the police went to the
local witch doctor and asked him whether the claims were true. The witch doctor
confirmed the claims. Our friend has been in prison for a couple of months.
I am aware going into this article response that I have a very
evident bias against the Malawi government and their efforts to protect the
Malawian people because I live there and I don’t see any efforts. The author of
the article, Azad Essa, is biased against the Malawian government as he often
states their failures to protect the people and only one vague quote from the
minister of information about their efforts. He doesn't list any specific
changes or actions on the government's part which tells me he did not find
any. As Essa writes these attacks are taking place because of a
combination of poverty and belief in witchcraft. Therefore, such claims by
Patricia Kaliati that the government is doing everything they can to end these
attacks is most definitely not true. First of all the government needs to
combat poverty, the root of the problem, instead of funneling the majority of
foreign aid into their own pockets. All foreign aid needs to be monitored by
donors to ensure that it is not misspent so it can ease the burdened of poverty
smothering so many people. Poverty is the direct cause of lack of
education which leads people to see people with albinism as inferior when in
reality a genetic disorder has nothing to do with inferiority.
Secondly, a fear of witchcraft is deeply rooted in culture and
so it is evident that is the majority of people are scared out of their minds
of witchcraft, the police probably are too. Essa talks about the police holding
the same prejudices that the rest of the country. How can the government send
prejudice police to help the people they are prejudice against? As I stated
earlier, the police went to the witch doctor as a valid witness of the nephew
being kidnapped. But what needs to be understood is that from the guluwankulu
that dance along the rural roads dressed as monsters to the ex-witchdoctor
telling my dad that he used to fly over the city in spirit, witchcraft is a
part of a lot of Malawian's culture. People need to be freed from this fear of
this darker power. I honestly believe that the Malawian this supposedly
predominantly Christian country needs to be freed from their worldly fears.
This article will make international organizations, like Amnesty, aware of the
situation in Malawi and put pressure on the Malawian government to take action
against this violence. I hope that the government will not only tackle the
immediate problems but the roots of poverty and witchcraft in not only Malawi but other African nations as well.
This was a very interesting article. Like Sarah, I also have a bit of a bias from living in Malawi. I cant see any major efforts made by the government to help this issue. One statement made was that the police are not trained enough to combat this issue. I think this is true, but i also believe that there are some trained police that either wont or cant make the efforts needed to eliminate this issue. I think it is good for an article like this to be released so that it can bring some awareness of the issue, but i do believe that they could have been a little harsh in only saying negative things about a government, even though some might be true. My mom works with children with disabilities and albino children often fall under that category. She told me the story of a little girl who is an albino. This girl was being threatened by her neighbors for the reasons mentioned in the article. Her parents reported this and the police only gave the neighbors a 30,000 kwacha fine which is 40$ maximum. They said they could not do anything else because there had been no action only verbal threats. The neighbors will wait outside the girl's school waiting for a day when she will walk out alone. The school makes sure that the gates are locked and all students leave with a parent. Some institutions are implementing things that will help protect these kids. Most kids are stolen through their windows at night when they are sleeping. This has to do with the poverty. If the people could afford proper houses with windows and locks it would be much harder for the criminals to kidnap these children. There are a lot of things that could be improved on, and this article might help push those into action. This was a great response and article!
ReplyDeleteIt is important that you stated your own bias in your response, since you are against the Malawi government, or at least think they could do more. I find it interesting that you have had such a close connection to this issue, and the way that issue came to a conclusion. Although I am sure this article has many facts in it, they are also skewing or exaggerating details as well. I find it interesting the way the news reports issues and how those who live in the country with the issue would report it. I'm sure the government could be doing more, but there is also pressure of the nationals in Malawi to protect their Albino people.
ReplyDeleteModern government in Africa always faces the struggle of identifying and eliminating traditional beliefs that fly in the face of democracy--especially when these beliefs pervade so much of society, even reaching into the government itself. It is a war against culture, a culture centuries-old and deeply ingrained into the mindset of the populace, whether rich or poor, whether old or young. Unpopular, it threatens to alienate the government from its people, to cause uproar amongst those who would defend their ancient ways of life. But its unpopularity, its specter of violence, make it all the more necessary.
ReplyDeleteDemocracy means surrendering certain rights and beliefs to the government--to one another. It holds only freedom and human life as sacred, and makes no allowance for culture or ethnicity. This is the responsibility placed within the hands of the Malawian government, and until it confronts the darker aspects of its patrimony, it will never be able to effect change. I can see no clearer response to what ultimately amounts to the predation of a minority, and hope that the government adopts an aggressive stance against the cultural obstacles that stand in the way of security for its people.
I find it key to know where your bias stands. I think that this article has many interesting facts, and you presented them well. However, I find the article a bit difficult to believe whole heartedly, especially the section on which it described $75,000 per albino. I do agree that this article seemed a bit exaggerated, and honestly which news article isnt? However I do like the light brought onto this situation, as it is very dire and important yet not emphisised.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, the quote "I have a... bias against the Malawian government... because I live there" was great, it was so Ironic and cracked me up.
ReplyDeleteAside from that random side note on a more serious note though, it is a very sad truth that in many less developed african nations and even in the more developed ones such as Kenya, the government as a whole can't be seen as trustworthy. Especially for those who truly need protection.
Also, you mentioned how widespread superstition (that's not a strong enough term) is, and it seems absurd that such things would be happening in the "refined" and "civil" world but they happen every day and it is really a disturbing reality that we all need to be reminded of. Thanks for the thought provoking article and analysis.
It is so sad that Albinos, a minority, have faced severe discrimination in various African countries for decades. I am glad that you passionately highlighted this issue and tied in personal experiences. I was drawn into the article and your response. Culture largely influences African countries. It permeates through the society as well as the government. However, not every aspect of one's culture has to be universally accepted. This is especially true when cultural values threaten human rights. People can use the excuse of culture to justify atrocities. I think that the end of using culture as an excuse is vital in this particular issue. Now telling people to stop practices that even their ancestors partook in is no easy feat. But, this is where the role of the government comes in. In your response you efficiently explained the role of poverty and the correlation to the abuse of Albinos. Firstly, the government needs to address the lack of education within people oppressed by poverty. Through education that is not distorted the mindset of the society can change to view Albinos as equal. Additionally, hopefully the community as a whole can understand that all human life is scared. Secondly, education can provide a platform to Albinos to prosper. It will give albinos opportunities to achieve success that is not limited to their physical appearance. I know that is gradually happening in Kenya. People with albinism are excelling in various media outlets. Eventually, it will be normal to view albinos in this light.
ReplyDeleteComing back to the article, I agree with you that the statement the Malawian government made was vague. It did not seem that they were taking any action against the abuse albinos are facing. However, in order to remain objective I would like to look at other sources that may potentially discuss some possible actions the government has taken in depth. If there are any. Nonetheless, the government needs to increase its efforts to protect and empower people with albinism. The statement mentioned in the article seemed like its only purpose was to cover up the Malawian government's skin. Therefore, it is important for NGOs and international organizations to continue to highlight the lack of action of African governments. Once the incompetency and corruption catches global attention, only then will the African governments tackle this issue with a sense of urgency.
Although I have heard many inhumane acts performed by witchdoctors previously, the attacks against the Albino community remain one of their most disgusting actions. I would say this issue comes from tradition and from the lack of understanding these people face. Africa is a continent that lags behind many of the developed nations, creating a negative attitude toward change. I would agree Malawi is a country that has traditional beliefs which the government has a hard time going against. Although the government cannot do anything about illegal black market training, I feel like by promoting human rights, the attacks against the Albino community could possibly lessen. Overall great Article and insightful analysis.
ReplyDeleteSarah, this article was an eyeopener for me as i did not know this was an issue. It had great general information about the albino population in Africa but specifically went deeper into how the Malawian albino population and the government is dealing with it. In this article, and based on your bias and my own, it does not seem like the Malawian "government is doing all they can for this minority". It seems to me like they would not want to completely stop the albino hunters from discontinuing if it keeps the witch doctors in business. The police themselves go for the witch doctors for advice and probably spells and other things as well. I don't think the government is fully on the side of the Albino population. But again, reiterating what you have said the root of the problem in poverty and lack of truth in their lives. If the country flourished there wouldn't be need for witch doctors because they would be replaced by trained physicians.
ReplyDeleteThe Malawian government needs to step up its protection if they really mean it though. The world needs to be aware of this problem just as i became aware today.
Interesting that i found an article about the same thing, and that i live in Malawi too. This is definitely an issue that has to be looked in to. I would definitely agree that Malawi's deep root in witchcraft is a large part of the problem. I also agree that the government must absolutely step in at this point. Essentially it is a minority not only being discriminated against but being killed off. This is not an issue to be taken lightly, it is a very serious issue and needs to be addressed promptly. Indeed it was an eyeopener especially since i live there and have never heard this extent of the discrimination and the amounts associated with this issue. I think it is definitely a positive step to expose the Malawi society and furthermore the government's inactivity to hopefully prompt swift action.
ReplyDeleteGreat article and great response! I was aware that body parts of Albinos were sold for high prices in order to be used in witchcraft. Although I knew, it still is a shock to hear that it is happening so widely in many countries. I definitely agree with you and many others who responded that this is an issue of cultural traditions that base off from witchcraft, fear and the inability to understand Albinism. Also, as you said, this issue should be recognized and paid attention by world organizations so that it can be prevented since the government isn't taking much action. According to the quote by the minister of information, the government is doing everything they can, but things are not getting any better. It is definitely interesting to me that people who live in Malawi (you, Jo-ine, Amy) are all saying that the supposed "efforts" made by the government isn't obvious. This shows me that whatever it is that the government attempted to do has not been helpful. I would say though, that it may have been better if the author could have put how the government had been "doing all they could," unless of course, the couldn't find anything on it. Overall, great article and response! The article made me think a lot about how culture and tradition cause people to believe and do ridiculous things and also how fear caused people to harm each other.
ReplyDeleteWow great article, and your response was so detailed and thorough it's close to impossible to find any flaws in it. I honestly had no idea that this was going on, but living among local villagers in Uganda kind of gives me a basic idea and understanding of what's going on with the whole witchcraft part of it. I would probably be with you in that you are strongly biased against the government of Malawi, because they seem to be passive in the way that they are handling the matter. I guess the article kind of hit home for me since I grew up in Uganda in an area where witchcraft was popular and people committed murder and cut off other people's body parts and limbs because they wanted money and according to witch doctors, those acts would earn them that money. Hopefully the Malawi government is able to see how much of a disaster and inhumanity is going on in their country by now and take action toward it. Again, great response :)
ReplyDeleteThroughout the rural parts of Africa, superstition is a way of life that has ruled with fear across generations. As stated in the article, Kenya is in a similar boat as Malawi. Albinos are hunted for their uniquness, persecuted for being different and unable to live a normal life. I agree with your statement about the bias in this article and the lack of action seemingly taken by the Malawi government. And superstition is indeed a result of a lack of education of the public, and so albinos must fear for their lives due to the lack of schooling of the people around them.
ReplyDeleteAs seen in many African countries, cultural practices and government are two things that often intertwine. It is sad that the Malawian government has ignored this long enough until Albinos are being prosecuted and isolated from society. Looking at this from an international point of view, I can see how it would be tricky to provide an adequate amount of help because the government may be deeply rooted in such cultural practices as well leading to corruption and bias against Albinos.
ReplyDeleteAnd secondly, clearly identifying the cause of the problem will be interpreted differently from both sides. However it is a violation of Human rights therefore Amnesty International needs to step in and stop it immediately. Such cases that go on for years uncalled for and ignored lead up to genocides and civil wars as demonstrated worldwide. Along with that, I fully agree with your stance about the lack of education and poverty that leads to people's fears and superstitions, the fact that witch craft is still a dominant part of society that influences people's action is a sure sign that they lack an education.
The author clearly shows some bias against the Malawian government but the UN governing bodies must step in and montitor their funds as you mentioned to ensure that people be educated but most importantly the lives of the albinos are also protected. Great article Sarah, thanks for sharing.
The article highlights a problem that is broader than Albinism in Malawi, but rather of the deep rooted effects of traditional beliefs in African cultures. Beliefs similar to the one described in the article have existed in traditional African settings for centuries. Since the 1960's, when most African nations gained their independence, they have been struggling with the idea of the separation between those beliefs the fundamentals of their governing bodies. What I mean by this is that for the most part African nations have failed to remove traditions and pervading beliefs from the laws and regulations that are set in place by the government. The need for this to be the case stems from their desire to be included in world affairs and trading networks. In a world that cares a lot about economic strength, it becomes increasingly difficult to secure trading relations if human rights are clearly being violated. If economic growth and general welfare are considered a top-priority for Malawi then the governemnt must see to it that issues like mistreatment of Albinos be taken care of, not only on a governmental level but also among the peoples.
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ReplyDeleteThis problem is a sad combination of disregard of human life and greed that is now rampant in Sub-Saharan Africa. It not only shows that Albinos are victims of witchcraft and market pressure but it shows a cultural change where people are willing to put money over the lives of their fellow human beings. This is a huge social problem that the governments and indiviuals have to adress in order to move forward as a whole.
ReplyDeleteThis issue is definately sad and it is quite unfortunate that the government isn't doing anything to protect the basic human rights of these people, but a seemingly deeper rooted aspect of this issue might be education. The people that are practicing this most likely think that it is not wrong, or at least is not that large of a moral question. But in order to tackle the problem at it's roots these people would have to be made aware of the fact that what they are doing is abhorent and should never take place in any society that claims any sort of civilization.
ReplyDeleteThis was a fascinating and heartbreaking article. I had heard about this issue of albino people and their struggles but mainly only in the social ways, I hadn't heard of them being killed for their body parts before. Your response was also very informative and I think that you very clearly identified the bias against the Malawian government. It seems like the Malawian government is very similar to the Kenyan government when they don't always put the funds towards the designated cause. Overall, I think that you picked an article that depicts a very prominent current issue and your response showed even more depth to the situation. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteThis article is both heartbreaking and eye-opening for me since I didn't know anything about this issue before. Witchcraft and other animistic worship is a huge part of the social and political structure in Africa, in some countries more than others, including the government, unfortunately. Thank you so much for your honesty about your bias in your response. Great article choice and great response!
ReplyDeleteI've heard of the albino people in the world, but have never seen one, and know very little about them. However, it's disheartening to hear that this people group is the target of malicious gnags for their body parts. It's a shame that this discrimination, possibly racism, is systemic and needs to be dealt with. I liked how you offered a solution to the problem saying how they need to end fear and poverty. I agree with you, but I would add that the government needs to find the buyers and eliminate them. This is a huge problem and I can't beleive that this isn't making headlines because people need to know about this. It's a terrible thing to walk around in a place you'd call home, and not feel safe at all. If this issue is systemic and even the police have prejudices against the albino, then it'll still be harder to resolve, but taking it on slowly and creating awareness about the issue might be a good start. I enjoyed readig this and becoming aware of this issue!
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