Apam bemoans delayed justice on albino killings
The Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) has bemoaned the delay in delivery of justice for people with albinism who were brutally killed for their body parts.
Apam general secretary Maynard Zacharia said this on Tuesday during the awareness campaign on the rights of persons with albinism held at Mvumba Primary School ground at Senior Chief Nankumba’s Headquarters in Mangochi.
“We have had over 120 cases of albino attacks and among these 21 members of our association were killed brutally but to date, less than five cases have been fully prosecuted,” explained Zacharia.
He added: “While we thank the courts for the justice delivered in the few cases so far, we feel speedy trial of the remaining ones would deter atrocities levelled against people with albinism.”
Guest of honour at the event, commissioner responsible for community policing in Malawi, Willie Mwaluka ,said the police will continue to work with other stakeholders in providing security for people with albinism.
He hailed the UN Women in Malawi for organising the event and urged Malawians to join the fight for the rights of people with albinism.
UN Women Malawi human rights specialist Habiba Osman pledged her organisation’s continued support for the safety of people with albinism in the country.
UN Women is implementing the project aimed at protecting rights of people with albinism in the district. The project also involves distribution of items such as hats, skin lotion, sunglasses and umbrellas to people with albinism. n
