UN rights expert to visit Malawi over albino attacks

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An expert on the rights of people with albinism will next week visit Malawi to assess the human rights situation of albinos in the country.

Ikponwosa Ero, who is a United Nations (UN) independent expert on the enjoyment of rights by people with albinism, will carry out the visit at a time when there are increasing reports of attacks against people with albinism.

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Ero: I look forward to this first official mission

She however said the attacks on people with albinism will just be one of her main focusses since she will also monitor issues faced by albinos in the spheres of health, disability, education, and harmful traditional practices

“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,” she said.

Ero who will visit Malawi from 18 to 29 April 2016 has been invited by the government of Malawi.

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,” Ero added.

At the end of her visit the expert will share with the media her preliminary observations at a press conference.

Ero will present a comprehensive report on her visit to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2017.