Publications

Seeking meaning: an anthropological and community-based approach to witchcraft accusations and their prevention in refugee situations

An excellent overview by Schnoebelen has shown that accusations of witchcraft have occurred in many situations of concern to UNHCR, for example amongst internally displaced in Northern Uganda and in refugee camps and settlements from South Africa through to Chad (2009). Accusations against children in refugee and IDP communities have also been a focus of particular attention in a recent report (Bussein et.al 2011). However detailed anthropological accounts of such accusations are still rare in the refugee studies literature, exceptions being the discussion by Harrell-Bond of ‘poisoning’ amongst Ugandan refugees in Sudan (1986) and a paper by Golooba-Mutebi (2004) on accusations amongst Mozambican refugees and their South African hosts.
See full report here

Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, on her mission to Papua New Guinea (18–26 March 2012)

The present report contains the findings of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, following her visit to Papua New Guinea. The
Special Rapporteur examines the situation of violence against women in the country, including violence that is perpetrated within the family and the community; violence
occurring in institutional settings; and violence related to the development of the country‟s extractive industries. She discusses the State‟s legislative and institutional responses to such violence, and provides recommendations. Read the full report  here

Violence Against Children Accused of Witchcraft – Statement by the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence Against Children

Violence Against Children Accused of Witchcraft, Statement by the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence Against Children – Marta Santos Pais –   Geneva, 10 March 2014. See full statement here

WHRIN Launches Report to UN – 21st Century Witchcraft Accusations and Persecution

Geneva, March 10th  2014 – WHRIN launches what may be the first ever report into the global scale of witchcraft accusations and persecution, muti killings and human sacrifice at the 25th session of the UN Human Rights Council. See full report here
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National Graphic: As Tanzania’s Albino Killings Continue, Unanswered Questions Raise Fears

On the 11th October, National Graphic published a piece exploring the current situation for Persons with Albinism in Tanzania: Targeted by witch doctors and underserved by government, East African albinos face many challenges. The article discusses many aspects, including science and superstition, everyday problems and the recent UN report on persons with albinism. Read more here.

Briefing Paper European Parliament: Directorate-General For External Policies of the Union Directorate – Child Witchcraft Allegations and Human Rights

Despite the recording of child witchcraft allegations all over the world as human rights violations, the issue has received relatively little attention within human rights discourse from international organizations, academia or civil society. Child witchcraft accusations are a relatively recent phenomenon that is not among the traditional practices of the countries affected. The reasons why children have become the specific focus of child witchcraft accusations remain partially unclear. A number of general common features can help explain its emergence, including profound societal transformations, religious changes, the collapse of traditional institutions and social problems suffered by both children and adults. To address the phenomenon’s complexity, it is necessary to carefully investigate each specific local context in which the allegations occur and to consider the consequences of the practice by the affected children. To read full report here

WHRIN Report to UN: Exploring the Role of Nollywood in the Muti Murders of Persons with Albinism

 

A Report to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Right for the 24th Session of the Human Rights Council on the Attacks and Discrimination Against People With Albinism (PWA). See full report  here

Nepal: A Study on Gender-Based Violence Conducted in Selected Rural Districts of Nepal

Violence Against Women occurs in all societies and at any stage of a woman’s lifecycle. It can even occur before a girl is born through sexselective abortion and menace women throughout their old age. Some types of VAW such as sexual violence and domestic violence, occur in all cultures, although they are more common in some than others. Girls and women in Nepal are exposed to a variety of forms of violence, many of which are suffered by women globally, and others that are seen more commonly in Nepal than elsewhere. The latter includes punishment for witchcraft (Boxi). To read more click here

Nepal: WOREC Annual report 2012

WOREC Nepal (Women’s Rehabilitation Centre) since its inception in 1991, is actively engaged in the promotion and protection of human rights, campaigning on violence against women and trafficking of women as well as economic social and cultural rights. This year, WOREC jointly with NAWHRD (National Alliance of Women Human Rights Defenders) was actively engaged in 100 days campaign on violence against women and 60 days campaign on violence against women alleged as witches.  This annual report highlights the major accomplishment and achievements during 2012. To read more click here

Nepal – INSEC Situation of Human Rights in 2012: Overall assessment

During the six year long journey of the peace process, the year 2012 has become a darker one from a human rights perspective. Compared to previous years, more incidents of violence against women were recorded in INSEC documentation this year, with a total of 52 women victimized in the name of practising witchcraft. To read more click here

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