Human rights advocates have reiterated the need for Parliament to expeditiously enact the Malawi Older Persons Bill aiming at addressing the systemic stigma and prejudice that exist among the elderly.
The call follows continued rise in murder and abuses targeting the order persons in most parts of the country on witchcraft accusations.
According to a statement issued by the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), with the pace at which the senior citizens are being abused, concerned stakeholders need to take an urgent action in dealing with the vice.
Reads a statement signed by MHRC Chairperson Chikondi Chijozi: “The Commission vehemently condemns the heinous and barbaric murders that occurred in Ntorongo Village within the jurisdiction of Senior Chief Tengani in Nsanje district.
“The Commission is deeply disturbed by the reported killing of two older women on December 26, 2023, allegedly driven by accusations of witchcraft. The killings, regrettably take us to a total of 25 killings in the year 2023 alone.”
The Commission has also called upon households and communities to report to relevant authorities about incidents of discrimination against, abuse and torture of the elderly over witchcraft allegations.
Similarly, the Commission has lamented a situation that occurred on December 27, 2023, where some irate community members of Mwanza Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Chiwere in Dowa nearly buried alive Christina Chiwoko, woman aged 56, on similar accusations.
Additionally, MHRC has asked the Judiciary to expedite cases involving abuses targeting older persons.
“The courts, despite the usual challenges, should timely, diligently adjudicate on matters bordering on allegations of witchcraft.
“The Commission encourages the courts to be meting out stiffer punishments to all persons convicted of any offenses bordering on accusing another of practicing witchcraft as this may deter other would-be offenders,” said Chijozi.
Malawi registered a total of 25 killings and 56 abuses targeting order persons in 2023 over witchcraft allegations.
