CSOs hold action week against albino killings

Stakeholders Action Group against the killings of people with albinism is set to petition Parliament and justice delivery institutions as part of an action week against the barbaric act.

Comprising civil society organisations (CSOs), citizen groups, media and religious organisations, the group has declared May 23 to 27 as action week to create awareness, mobilise citizens to speak out and act, engage authorities and other stakeholders to decisively act against the abductions and killings of people with albinism in Malawi.

According to a member of the group Edward Chileka-Banda of Eye for Development, this is an effort to lasting solutions to the barbaric killings.

He said: “The action group, which recently organised the National Stakeholders Conference on the killings of people with albinism, met on 19th May to review the outcomes of the conference and consolidate next campaign actions.

“The meeting noted that the stakeholders conference laid strong foundation for the campaign against the killings and that it enhanced collective action necessary to help stop the brutal killings of innocent citizens. As the campaign against the killings of people with albinism continues, the Stakeholders Action Group has agreed to declare 23-27 May as the Action Week.”

During the week, various stakeholders in the Action Group will coordinate and facilitate actions planned for a particular day with support from others.

“Monday’s theme is ‘Break the Silence, Speak Out’ where citizens and stakeholders shall speak out against the killings, report suspects to police, break secrets, and hold meetings and debates to denounce the inhumane behaviour and those involved in the killings. This will coincide with the launch of the action week.

“In an effort to seal legal loopholes that criminals and their accomplices may use, the Stakeholders Action Group will petition Parliament to enact laws that will deter would-be offenders. We will also petition the Inspector General of police and Chief Justice on the 26th and 27th respectively,” he stated.

On May 25, which is Africa Day, Chileka-Banda said campaigners and advocates will petition government through different offices to fulfil commitments, promises, dreams and aspirations enshrined in various legal and policy instruments that include those that guarantee human rights and protection of all citizens.