Mchinji Police engage Ujamaa Pamodzi Africa in promotion of rights of people with albinism

In a bid to end violation of rights of people born with albinism, the Community Policing branch at Mchinji Police in collaboration with Ujamaa Pamodzi Africa and other organizations organised an awareness campaign in order to protect the rights of people with albinism in the District.

The Child Protection Officer, Sergeant Kapenda from the Community Policing Branch urged the multitudes gathered to report anyone found abusing people with albinism to their nearest police formations because it is a crime.

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“We as police, are obliged to protect lives and property, some misguided souls propagate misconceptions that the bones of our beloved brothers and sisters with albinism are a source of charms that bring wealth, we will arrest any one implicated in such fake news, including the witch doctors behind such act,” said Kapenda

Speaking during the event, one of the representatives of Ujamaa Pamodzi Afrika, Bessie Chafwala, appealed to communities to refrain from violating the rights of people with albinism as that is not just a crime but also a sin.

“We are a non-partisan organisation, currently working in four districts in Malawi, we are here to make an awareness on fighting for the rights of people with albinism.

“Let’s make sure that people with albinism are treated with dignity, just like any other human being. We want equal rights and opportunities for all, education for all, job opportunities for all,” Chafwala added.

Chafwala also bemoaned the act of keeping children with albinism indoors by some parents, calling names on people with albinism and urged the audience to pass the message to others in their respective communities.

The campaign drew some notable government agencies like Social Welfare, Malawi Council for the Handcapped (MACOHA), and representatives from the Ministry of Education.

The sensitisation meetings were conducted at the Boma, Mkanda, Kapiri, Kamwendo, Guillemé and Tembwe.