The United Nations has told Malawi to redouble its efforts in order to protect persons with albinism as the May 21 elections get closer.
The development partner has made the call in a statement released today in reaction to the murder of a person with albinism, Yasin Phiri aged 54, at Kande in Nkhata Bay on Monday.
UN has condemned the murder of Phiri and has also expressed concern over the lack of progress to trace 12-year old Joseph Kachingwe who went missing on 6th July 2018.
In the statement signed by Resident Coordinator in Malawi Benoit Thiry , the UN says government should implement measures to protect persons with albinism and implement the National Action Plan on Persons with Albinism.
The plan is aimed at dealing with the root causes of attacks on persons with albinism using nationwide awareness raising campaign, strengthened investigations and prosecutions, together with strengthened protection and victim assistance measures.
“If these measures are not accelerated, we will continue registering human rights violations against persons with albinism,” says the statement.
The UN has also urged authorities to ensure a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into the killing of Yasin Phiri.
“We further call upon the authorities to fast-track the investigation and prosecution of outstanding cases on violation of rights of persons with albinism to avoid cultivating a culture of impunity in Malawi,” says the statement.
Meanwhile, Police in NkhataBay have arrested four people in connection with the murder of Phiri.
