Amnesty International has moved in to condemn the “shameful denial comments” made by Minister of Homeland Security Minister Nicholas Dausi, saying the remarks are fueling attacks against persons with albinism in the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Amnesty International said the minister’s comment that attacks on persons with albinism have not reached crisis levels will only embolden those perpetrating the assaults and are a disturbing reminder of the government’s inaction on the issue.
“The latest comments from Minister Nicholas Dausi are yet another indication that persons with albinism in Malawi are on their own when it comes to their safety and security,” said Muleya Mwananyanda, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Southern Africa.
He added: “For years, people with albinism have been living at the mercy of criminal gangs who target them for their body parts. The recent spike in attacks shows that the government, despite amending the Anatomy Act and the Penal Code to ensure stiffer penalties, hasn’t lived up to its commitments on protecting this group.”
Effort to speak to government spokesperson Henry Mussa proved futile.
Meanwhile Malawians have asked Dausi to apologize for his careless remarks and resign from his Ministerial post.
Persons with albinism are targeted for their body parts in the belief that they contain magical powers. The current population of people with albinism in Malawi is estimated at between 7,000 and 10,000, representing a ratio of 1 in every 1,800 persons.
