Malawi failing to protect Albino community – Amnesty International

In a new report released by Amnesty International on Tuesday entitled "We are not animals to be hunted or sold",  it is said that the attacks on people with albinism over the past two years were "unprecedented" and that a lack of action on part of authorities has created a "climate of terror" for those living with the condition.

The report described the severity of the attacks, including mutilation and dismembering of members of the community.

It alleges that police lacked the adequate training and skills needed to investigate such crimes.

It further raised concerns over the police officers' ability to take human rights abuses endured by people with albinism seriously.

"Some police officers carry the same prejudices against people with albinism that exists within the wider Malawian society," the report said.

Albino body parts have become sought after in parts of southern and eastern Africa, as some believe they contain magical powers. This leads to the body parts reportedly being sold on the black market.

According to the Malawi Police Services, at least 69 people with albinism have been attacked in Malawi since 2014.

Amnesty International claims that at least 18 people have been killed, and five others abducted since November 2014.

At least four were killed in April 2016 alone, according to the rights body.

While attacks have routinely taken place in Tanzania and Kenya and Burundi, "Albino hunters" appeared to have moved on Malawi over the past 18 months in particular.