By Smile Hamilton
The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) has called on the Malawi Government to prioritise and fast-track the review of the Witchcraft Act to ensure the country’s legal framework effectively addresses abuses linked to witchcraft-related beliefs.
CHRR Executive Director Michael Kaiyatsa said the resurgence of attacks against persons with albinism underscores that harmful witchcraft-related beliefs remain deeply entrenched in Malawian society.
“The recent attacks on persons with albinism clearly show that dangerous witchcraft-related beliefs are still widespread in our communities,” Kaiyatsa said.
He added that despite the Malawi Law Commission conducting extensive nationwide consultations on the review of the Witchcraft Act, there has been little public information regarding progress towards tabling the proposed reforms in Parliament.
“It is concerning that after such comprehensive consultations, there is still no clear communication on when the proposed law reforms will be presented,” Kaiyatsa said.
Meanwhile, the Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) has supported the call, saying the reviewed law will strengthen protection mechanisms once enacted. APAM National Coordinator Meynadr Zachariah said the reform is long overdue.
“Once the law is reviewed and implemented, it will significantly enhance the protection and safety of persons with albinism in Malawi,” Zachariah said.
The current Witchcraft Act was enacted on 12 May 1911, with the Malawi Law Commission undertaking its review in 2021. In its current form, the law does not recognise the existence of witchcraft, a gap rights groups say has contributed to c
ontinued abuses.
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