Albinos will face isolation in Malawi, Justice Minister warns on measures

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Albino

…over 18 albinos mercilessly killed

Some key recommendations being made by various stakeholders on what should be done to put to an end the attacks, abductions, and killings of people with albinism in Malawi could see them feeling isolated and discriminated, Justice Minister Samuel Tembenu has warned.

Tembenu made the sentiments after the petition by humanitarian organizations was read out in Parliament this morning.

Albino
Attacked in Malawi. (Google images)

Among other key recommendations the petition asked the government to set aside strong measures in protecting people living with albinism in the country by citing the need for stiff punishments for people found guilty in any crimes related the attacks on the albinos.

The Defence and Security Committee made recommendations which were echoed by other legislators recently that albinos be registered in a special census arguing that by registering them, the government should be able to follow up such cases.

This was borrowed from the current registration of albinos which the Blantyre police are into now.

Another burning recommendation was that most of the young albinos who are in school be moved to boarding schools where they could at least be guaranteed of security.

This was in reference to reports that in some areas some pupils with albinism have stopped going to schools which mostly lie in far distances in rural areas in fear of been attacked.

But Tembenu warned that some of these recommendations could mean that the government has spearheaded an isolative atmosphere towards people with albinism.

Samuel Tembenu Malawi Justice Minister
Tembenu: Recommendations must be made with caution.

He said: ‘’We must be careful enough on the recommendations we are making towards arresting the attacks now. We must not adopt measures which will make them (people with albinism) feel segregated and out of the society.’’

The Justice Minister therefore argued that it would be greater if the problem is solved when the people with albinism remain in the various locations so that they feel to be part of the society.

He also made revelations that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has at the moment, taken over supervision of cases that do with the attacks on people living with albinism in the country saying that trainings towards the same course have since been started.

In briefing the house on the current seriousness of the situation, leader of the House George Chaponda said that so far, over 18 murder cases have been reported and 14 cases involving kidnapping of albinos are in the records and that three people with albinism are still missing while 28 graveyards of people with albinism have been tampered with in different circumstances.

Chaponda maintains that government is working towards ending the attacks.

Some legislators want people found in various acts on attacks of people with albinism to be killed.

The petition has since been acknowledged by the house and the legislators are eyed to keep making contributions in time to come.

Body parts of those with albinism are prized in black magic and witchcraft, as it is believed spells based on their body parts will bring luck, love and wealth.

This afternoon, the Minister of Finance Goodall Gondwe is expected to give a budget statement in the house starting from 2 P.M