People With Albinism Being Hunted And Killed In Malawi For Their Body Parts
- 8 years ago
A recently released Amnesty International report documents the rising violence against people with the pigment deficiency called albinism in the African country of Malawi.
A small and distinct population in the African country of Malawi is living in fear due to increasing attacks.
The targets are people with albinism, a condition where the coloring of the hair, eyes, and skin is limited due to the reduced production of pigment called melanin.
In a recently released report on the issue, Amnesty International estimates that at least 18 people have been murdered since November 2014 and others are believed to have been kidnapped.
The organization also notes that during this same period, the Malawi Police Service has recorded “at least 69 cases involving crimes related to people with albinism.”
As the report states, this group is “being targeted for their body parts by those who believe that they contain magical powers and bring good luck.”
The Malawi government began to examine the problem after activists protested about these crimes, according to CBS News.
A small and distinct population in the African country of Malawi is living in fear due to increasing attacks.
The targets are people with albinism, a condition where the coloring of the hair, eyes, and skin is limited due to the reduced production of pigment called melanin.
In a recently released report on the issue, Amnesty International estimates that at least 18 people have been murdered since November 2014 and others are believed to have been kidnapped.
The organization also notes that during this same period, the Malawi Police Service has recorded “at least 69 cases involving crimes related to people with albinism.”
As the report states, this group is “being targeted for their body parts by those who believe that they contain magical powers and bring good luck.”
The Malawi government began to examine the problem after activists protested about these crimes, according to CBS News.