UN demands more action on albino attacks
The United Nations (UN) has asked Malawi to do more in the fight against attacks on persons with albinism.
UN Women country representative Clara Anyangwe made the remarks yesterday during the International Albinism Awareness Day commemorations in Ntcheu.
“The continued attacks on persons with albinism is an indication that there is still a lot more that needs to be done and this calls for a multi-sectoral approach,” she said.
Anyangwe said when a particular section of people is being persecuted as is the case with persons with albinism, their rights are violated and they cannot contribute to development.
She said in this regard, Malawi needs to assemble all concerned sectors and together fight the tendency of attacking persons with albinism.
Inspector General of Police Lexten Kachama said the Malawi Police Service will reach every corner of the country to ensure that every person is living in peace.
He urged citizens, especially persons with albinism, to work with the police by playing the whistle-blowing role while the police play the law enforcement part to bring perpetrators to book.
Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) president Overstone Kondowe appealed to Parliament to ensure funds are available for trying cases.
“We have been singing the same song for a long time that cases related to attacks on persons with albinism are dragging in court and every time we ask, we are told that there are no funds. Please consider us this time around,” said Kondowe.
Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Jean Kalilani said government formed an inter-ministerial committee to fight the attacks on persons with albinism.
