Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC), Association of People with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) and Human Rights Consultative Committee have called on government to step up efforts to protect persons with albinism.

Speaking during a panel discussion on Friday on challenges facing persons with albinism organised by MHRC, the institutions called for action to ensure security for persons with albinism.

They also emphasised the need to influence mindset change among community members to promote rights of persons with albinism.

Apam general secretary Menard Zakaria expressed worry that when they thought attacks against persons with albinism were eliminated, the cases have resurfaced.

He said this year, the country has registered eight cases, up from five registered last year.

“There is need to do something about this. Lives are being lost and people with albinism are living in fear,” said Zakaria.

Human Rights Consultative Committee executive director Robert Mkwezalamba said by now the country should have eliminated killings of persons with albinism.

“Persons with albinism are like anyone [else] and need to live freely. There is need for communities to take part in protecting persons with albinism,” he said.

MHRRC projects coordinator Enock Chinkhuntha called on government to scale up construction of houses of persons with albinism.

“It is sad that only 25 houses have been constructed when there are over 1 000 persons with albinism that need proper houses,” he said.

Chinkhuntha also called on members of Parliament to use part of the Constituency Development Fund to construct houses for persons with albinism.

Malawi Human Rights Commission commissioner Boniface Masa said government needs to ensure that there are various interventions put in place to protect persons with albinism.

Christian Blind Mission country director Jolly Kemigabo said Malawians should strive to end attacks on people with albinism.

National police spokesperson Peter Kalaya assured that the law enforcers will continue providing security to protect persons with albinism.

He added that the police will also enhance sensitisation campaigns to ensure that communities take part in protecting people with albinism.

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