Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) has endorsed the planned vigils by the Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) to protest against the continued attacks of persons with albinism.

The vigils are slated for 6-8 March 2019 in all state residences.

CCJP National Coordinator, Boniface Chibwana said in a statement on Monday that the organization is convinced with the move by APAM, saying the government is duty bound to protect the rights of persons with albinism.

CCJP said it is unfortunate that the government, as a primary duty bearer to protect human rights, has provided inadequate protection to persons with albinism who are butchered like animals.

The statement also bemoans lack of political will by the government for failure to fund the 2018 National Action Plan (NAP) on Persons with Albinism in Malawi, the National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy of 2018 and the Disability Communication Strategy of 2016.

CCJP has asked the government to urgently consider instituting effective independent investigations into the underlying issues surrounding the attacks and killings of persons with albinism.

“Government should declare the attacks and killings of these people as national crisis and disaster to solicit adequate support from local and international humanitarian and human rights community,” reads the statement in part.

The organization has also asked the government to consider establishing special courts to effectively handle cases involving human rights violations against persons with albinism.