In Madagascar, UNICEF condemns crimes committed against people with albinism and is committed to working with all stakeholders for their protection

Antananarivo, 7 March 2022 – In light of reports of abductions, attacks and murders of children with albinism throughout the country, UNICEF firmly recalls that every child has the right to life regardless of his or her difference and denounces these facts as a serious violation of the rights of the child in Madagascar.

On 4 March, 2022, in the Rural Commune of Berano in Amboasary, the lifeless and mutilated body of a 6-year-old child with albinism was found. In the past, corroborated information has made it possible to establish that the perpetrators of these criminal acts are motivated by money, as the children are sold to individuals who engage in fetish practices.   

The increase in these criminal acts has drawn the attention of three United Nations human rights experts who have urged public authorities in Madagascar to take immediate action to protect all persons with albinism. This call is in line with recommendations for Madagascar by the Committee on the Rights of the Child in February 2022, recommending that the government of Madagascar eradicate harmful abuse practices, including the abduction and killing of children with albinism, "in particular through legislation and increased awareness in society at large, involving religious and traditional leaders."

A brief assessment of insecurity in Southern Madagascar conducted in January 2022 confirmed the existence of perceptions and beliefs that encourage the abduction, theft and trafficking of organs of children with albinism. At the district and commune levels, stakeholders grouped together in child protection networks are already working to provide psycho-social and medical care for these child victims and their families, as well as to initiate legal proceedings against the alleged perpetrators.

Deeply concerned by this situation, UNICEF reiterates its concerns and supports the warning bells sounded by international experts. UNICEF is committed to remaining at the side of national, regional and local authorities for the necessary actions, including i) implementing communication and community awareness campaigns, with the involvement of traditional and religious leaders (ii) setting up an information monitoring mechanism and (iii) prioritizing the prosecution, arrest and conviction of the alleged perpetrators.