UNHCR welcomes program to defend human rights of people with albinism

The office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (UNHCR) has welcomed the establishment by the Human Rights Council of an Independent Expert on the human rights of people with albinism.  

Attacks and killings of people in some sub-Saharan African countries has shown signs of a recent upturn.

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UNHCHR spokesman Rupert Colville said: “We welcome last week’s strong statement by the President of Malawi, sharply condemning the attacks on people with albinism. President Mutharika also called on security agencies to be placed on high alert, to arrest people responsible for such attacks and provide maximum protection to people with albinism. 

“The President’s statement was followed up on Tuesday, by Malawi’s Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Patricia Kaliati, who unveiled a five-point plan of action.”

The plan includes the development of an education and awareness programme, the strengthening of community policing structure and the allocation of adequate police forces in districts most affected by the attacks.

In Tanzania, where most tormenting of people with Albinism occurs, in early March, President Kikwete has promised to put an end to the current wave of killings in that country. The UNHCHR  has again called upon the Tanzanian authorities to take prompt and firm action  for the crimes committed against people with albinism where killings and ritual killings against take place.