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Brilio.net/en - The United Nations has warned of total extinction of Malawis albinos as they are being hunted to death due ancient beliefs of special powers that they have. While the times have changed, the superstition still lives on.
Albinism is a relatively common disease affecting people of all walks of life iin every corner of the earth. The southeastern African country has about 10,000 people affected by albinism.
While the disease has no cure, it has few side effects on the people it afflicts.
But local tradition in Malawi have a different take on their paler counterparts. Albinos body parts are believed to bring good luck and a wealthy fortune to those who own them. What this means for many African albinos is that they live in constant fear of being murdered, gutten and having their limbs and organs sold to witchdoctors. They arent even safe in their graves where graverobbers steal their remaining parts and sell them off.
Image vianatio.today
Ero, who's an albino, recently visited Malawi, which has seen an increasing number of attacks. Just since the end of 2014, there have been 65 recorded cases according to the U.N.
Ero urged the government to step in to protect albinos and go after their killers more aggressively. "It is clear that an urgent and coordinated response from the government, civil society and development partners working in strong partnership with each other is required," she said.
It is clear that there needs to be retraining of police and stricter enforcement of those who are perpetrating the crimes. For example, stealing a cow often has higher punishments than murdering and selling parts of an albino.
(brl/red)
