By Burnett Munthali
LILONGWE, Malawi – Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Malawi government to intensify efforts to protect and empower persons with albinism following the presentation of a new report to Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah documenting persistent attacks, discrimination, and social exclusion faced by the community.
The report, which is scheduled for official launch on Friday in Lilongwe, is based on extensive research conducted across nine districts in Malawi. Researchers interviewed more than 80 individuals, including persons with albinism, family members, community leaders, civil society representatives, and organizations advocating for disability and human rights.
According to Human Rights Watch, the study highlights a range of challenges confronting people with albinism, extending beyond security concerns to issues of education, employment, social inclusion, and access to government social protection programs.
Speaking after meeting Vice President Ansah, Elizabeth Kamundia, Director of the Disability Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the need for stronger government action to address the vulnerabilities faced by persons with albinism.
Kamundia urged authorities to provide adequate funding for the implementation of Malawi’s National Action Plan on Albinism and to take concrete steps to tackle the social and economic barriers that continue to marginalize people with albinism.
“The findings underscore the need for sustained investment in policies and programs that promote inclusion, equal opportunities, and protection for persons with albinism,” she said.
For years, Malawi has grappled with attacks against persons with albinism, driven largely by harmful myths and beliefs surrounding body parts of people with albinism. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for stronger legal protections, public awareness campaigns, and improved access to education and economic opportunities for affected individuals.
The presentation of the report comes as Malawi continues efforts to strengthen human rights protections and promote greater inclusion of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Human Rights Watch expressed hope that the findings and recommendations contained in the report will support ongoing government initiatives aimed at ensuring that people with albinism can live free from fear, discrimination, and exclusion.
The official launch of the report is expected to bring together government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and advocates for persons with albinism to discuss pathways toward greater protection, inclusion, and equal participation in Malawi’s social and economic life.
