Murdered for their eyes: people with albinism living in terror in Madagascar
9 hours ago
- In Madagascar, at least 13 people with albinism have been killed in 2023, most by beheading, with children being primary targets due to superstitions that their body parts bring wealth and power.
- Attacks are driven by harmful beliefs and are often linked to witch-doctors, with attackers including relatives, community members, and even organized networks involving powerful figures.
- Poverty, political instability, and climate crisis exacerbate desperation, leading to increased violence against people with albinism, especially in mining areas and during election periods.
- Victims' families live in constant fear, with many hiding their children; the government has deployed special forces and offered refuge, but advocates call for a national action plan and better data collection.
- The crisis has spread geographically from rural south to cities, and UN experts urge awareness campaigns and education to combat superstitions and protect the vulnerable.