Malawi

Human rights in Malawi

Read the most up-to-date and comprehensive insights regarding human rights in Malawi. You’ll find detailed information covering its background, key issues, ongoing research, urgent actions, and latest news.

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Two people walk among the burning rubbles
Two people walk among the burning rubbles in the Koudoukou market, in the PK5 district in Bangui on December 26, 2019, after clashes erupted when traders took up arms to oppose taxes levied by militia groups. – At least 11 people were killed in fighting between militiamen and traders in a restive district of Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, two security officials and an imam said on December 26, 2019. The security sources said between 11 and 14 people died after clashes erupted late on December 25, 2019, while the imam, Awad Al Karim, said “16 bodies” had been brought to the local Ali Babolo mosque. (Photo by FLORENT VERGNES / AFP) (Photo by FLORENT VERGNES/AFP via Getty Images)

Press Release

Armed conflicts and state repression in Africa fuel cocktail of human rights violations

April 7, 2020 | abuses by armed groups

Mercy and Daniel Pangain Malawi has seen a surge in killings of people with albinism, whose body parts are used in ritual practices, systematic failure of policing in Malawi has left this vulnerable group living in fear. Since November 2014, at least 18 people have been killed and at least five have been abducted and remain missing. Their bones are believed to be sold to practitioners of traditional medicine in Malawi and Mozambique for use in charms and magical potions in the belief that they bring wealth and good luck. The macabre trade is also fuelled by a belief that bones of people with albinism contain gold. Amnesty International believes that the actual number of people with albinism killed is likely to be much higher due to the fact that many secretive rituals in rural areas are never reported. There is also no systematic documentation of crimes against people with albinism in Malawi.

Sheet of paper Report

End violence against people with albinism: Towards effective criminal justice for people with albinism in Malawi

June 27, 2018 | albinism