Apam decries court cases delays
The Association of People with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) has expressed concern with the slow pace in concluding cases against perpetrators of attacks, abductions and murder of persons with albinism.
Speaking in Lilongwe yesterday during a joint press briefing with Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Wefare Jean Sendeza to commemorate the International Albinism Awareness Day, Apam president Young Muhamba said since 2014, there are 211 cumulative cases registered with 80 completed and 20 closed or undetected.
He said: “There are 111 cases which are ongoing, of which 28 are in court for hearing and 83 are still under investigation. Our view is that having 83 cases still under investigation for close to nine years smacks of delayed justice and is counterproductive to the quest for friendly livelihood for people living with albinism.”
Muhamba said a study conducted with support from Disability Rights Fund (DRF) to analyse access to justice situation in Malawi singled out prosecution of people with albinism cases as well as legal and policy framework as key challenges to access to justice.
He also cited the lack of legislation on witness protection, lack of adequate funding to key players in the criminal justice system and lack of adequate judicial officers as other impeding factors.
The minister said government has reviewed the Disability Act of 2012 and the Handicapped Persons Act of 1971 and has come up with a new Bill expected to comprehensively address emerging issues in the disability sector and strengthen access to justice among persons with disabilities.
Said Sendeza: “We are committed to promoting mainstreaming of disability issues and let alone albinism issues across all sectors. It is therefore not surprising that our vision, the Malawi 2063, has taken a clear stand in promoting disability inclusion.”
The International Albinism Awareness Day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 to raise awareness on albinism worldwide.
