Malawi’s albinos at risk of ‘total extinction

EDITED BY KALAHAN DENG

Malawi’s albinos are at risk of “total extinction” amid escalating attacks against them for their body parts.

Albinism is a genetic condition that leads to little or no pigment in the eyes, skin and hair. The southern African nation has about 10,000 albinos.
In some African countries, albinos’ body parts are believed to bring wealth and good luck. As a result,attackers chop off their limbs and pluck out organs, and sell them to witch doctors.
Even after albinos are killed, some attackers go a step further and steal the remains of albinism.

Living in constant fear

“Persons with albinism, and parents of children with albinism, constantly live in fear of attack,”she said.
“Many do not sleep peacefully and have deliberately restricted their movement to the necessary minimum.”

Since the end of 2014, there have been 65 recorded cases of attacks, the U.N. said.
The government of Malawi should step in to protect albinos and go after their killers more aggressively.
“It is clear that an urgent and coordinated response from the government, civil society and development partners working in strong partnership with each other is required.
Better training for police and those who work for the court system. It’s a parent that punishment for those who attack albinos is not stringent enough.