The report, launched on Friday, presented to Vice President Dr Jane Ansah, is based on research across nine districts and includes interviews with more than 80 stakeholders, including affected individuals, families and community leaders.
Speaking to Channel Africa on Monday, Director of the Disability Rights Division at HRW Elizabeth Kamundia said while attacks have received attention, deeper structural issues remain. “Much attention has been given to attacks, but the structural discrimination against people with albinism persists,” Kamundia said.
Kamundia said people with albinism face barriers across multiple areas, including education, employment and healthcare. “We found that people with albinism face barriers driven by stigma, misconceptions and a lack of support,” Kamundia said.
The report found that long-standing myths and dehumanising beliefs continue to fuel violence and social exclusion. “Many people are called ‘money’ in their communities,” Kamundia said, highlighting how harmful stereotypes contribute to discrimination and attacks.
Kamundia said these challenges have significant impacts on daily life, including safety and access to opportunities. “Safety concerns keep children out of school violence also keeps people away from seeking work,” Kamundia said.
In education, the report found that learners with albinism face bullying, lack of support and limited access to necessary accommodations such as large-print materials.
In employment, Kamundia said discrimination is widespread, often based on assumptions about incapacity or safety risks. “They are denied accommodations and face discrimination in hiring,” Kamundia said.
The report also highlighted limited access to social protection programmes. Only a small number of individuals interviewed were receiving benefits, partly because albinism is often not recognised as a disability.
Kamundia said stigma within communities and local leadership structures also affects access to support. “Some leaders hold misconceptions that people with albinism are already supported elsewhere,” Kamundia said.
Social inclusion remains low, with many individuals restricting their movement out of fear of violence. “Social inclusion remains low with entrenched stigma,” Kamundia said.
HRW is calling for increased funding and implementation of Malawi’s National Action Plan on Albinism, which aims to improve protection, awareness and inclusion. “Without funding laws and policies remain largely unimplemented,” Kamundia said.
Kamundia said the report was positively received by government officials, but emphasised the need for concrete action. “We called for accountability for attacks and stronger implementation of existing policies,” Kamundia said.
Looking ahead, Kamundia said progress will depend on addressing both violence and systemic discrimination. “Success would look like freedom from violence and fear and equal access to education, healthcare and employment,” Kamundia said.
–ChannelAfrica–
