UN condemns attacks on persons with albinism

The United Nations has expressed dismay over the resurfacing of gruesome attacks on persons with albinism.

This follows the recent killing of Macdonald Masambuka, a young man with albinism in Machinga District, whose body was found on April 1, 2018 weeks after he was reported missing in early March.

The abduction and killing of Masambuka brings to four the number of attacks against persons with albinism in 2018.

The statement issued yesterday and signed by UN Malawi resident coordinator Maria Jose Torres Macho describes the attacks as a setback to progress achieved since 2014.

The UN has since called on stakeholders to intensify efforts to implement the National Action Plan, which addresses the root of attacks on persons with albinism, including a nationwide awareness campaign, strengthened investigations and prosecutions, together with strengthened protection and victim assistance measures.

Reads the statement in part: “If these measures are not put in place, we will continue registering violations of the rights of persons with albinism. We are concerned that persons entrusted with the responsibility of promoting and protecting the rights of all Malawians, including persons with albinism, are allegedly involved in the killing of Macdonald Masambuka.”

The statement further encourages authorities to investigate the killing of Masambuka and bring the alleged perpetrators to justice.

The body of Masambuka, 22, who came from Nakawa Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Nkoola in Machinga, was found last Sunday buried within the district.

Police traced his body following confessions from suspects who had been arrested in connection with the crime.

Seven suspects , reportedly including a police officer and six civilians, have been arrested for the killing.