The Federation of Disability Association in Malawi (FEDOMA) wants the government to enact a law, which will protect people with albinism from being kidnapped or killed for their body parts
Malawi is experiencing an increase in the demand of albino body parts, which led the Federation of Disability Association in Malawi (FEDOMA) to campaign for legislation to protect the country’s albinos from being harmed or killed.
“We wrote government through department of disabilities and the elderly to have a legislation of protecting people living with albinism. We are working with Albino Association of Malawi and the Malawi Human Rights Commission among others, and its our hope that member of parliament will table the matter,” said Amos who heads FEDOMA.
After Tanzania banned the killing and kidnapping of albinos, criminals moved to Malawi to satisfy the black market demand. Up to 15 albinos have gone missing in the country, and court cases linger. In Tanzania, some people are willing to pay $75,000 for a full set of body parts. Criminals cut feet, genitals, ears, tongues and noses.
Witchdoctors use albino body parts to bring their clients good luck and fortune, because there’s a belief that they have magic power.