Witchcraft‐related Abuse and Murder of Children with Albinism in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Conceptual Review

Abstract

Babies born with the inherited condition albinism, resulting in reduced melanin pigment in their hair, skin and eyes, are vulnerable in multiple ways in Africa: as children, as visually impaired, as socially ostracised, isolated and excluded, and as potential victims of witchcraft‐related violence targeted for their body parts for use in ‘lucky’ charms thought to bring good fortune. This conceptual review summarises the scarce research on this topic within an integrated framework of otherness (highlighting the ways in which these children differ from others in their group and how this is perceived by themselves and others), watchfulness (the consequences and impact of this very visible difference on families and communities) and agency (what such children themselves and other people can do to respond to these abuses of human rights). The paucity of information on the lives of children with albinism in Africa limits the development of appropriate interventions to support, empower and, most importantly, protect them at this time of danger in the region. This review proposes a conceptual model to act as a platform for research on which to build and enhance our understanding of the lives of children with albinism in sub‐Saharan Africa. Key Practitioner Messages Mutilation and killing of people with albinism, particularly children, have increased over recent years. Very little is known about the physical and psychosocial issues facing children with albinism in the context of threats of assault and attack. Children with albinism are seen as ‘other’, with the violent context making them and their families watchful and vigilant. This threatens their agency and safety.

Challenging Belief Systems and Professional Perspectives to Protect Children from Harm

“…Finally, Pauline Galluccio () reviews Elaine Storkey's Scars Across Humanity: Understanding and Overcoming Violence Against Women . The book presents real and often shocking stories from women across the world, setting these within a context of faith and beliefs, perspectives that may well resonate with those expressed by Taylor and Colleagues () and Oakley and Colleagues ().…”

“…‘may face a society that demonises, marginalises, stigmatises and discriminates against [them], especially in rural areas where myths abound and traditional healers are very powerful’ (Taylor et al ., , p. 14).…”

“…In a deeply disturbing conceptual review, Julie Taylor and colleagues () explore the vulnerability of children with albinism in sub‐Saharan Africa. As well as their inherent vulnerability as children and the impairments caused by their albinism, the authors point out how these children

‘may face a society that demonises, marginalises, stigmatises and discriminates against [them], especially in rural areas where myths abound and traditional healers are very powerful’ (Taylor et al ., , p. 14).

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“…This presents a very complex and concerning situation which we in the West may find difficult, if not impossible, to comprehend – one in which deep‐seated beliefs, differences in culture and society, and other socio‐economic factors all interact to create situations of vulnerability and risk. Taylor and colleagues () highlight the lack of research in this area, and that the voices of children with albinism are virtually unheard. They provide a useful framework of otherness, watchfulness and agency, which may help in gaining a deeper understanding of the vulnerability and needs of these children and their families, and of what they, their communities and others can do to respond to these abuses.…”

“…The beliefs and abuses documented in Taylor and colleagues' () review may seem a world away from the contexts within which most of us are practising, although, even in the UK, children have been harmed and killed in situations in which beliefs in witchcraft or spirit possession have played a part (HM Government, ; Stobart, ). What may be far more common, though, even less well recognised, and potentially harder to address are less extreme situations of abuse and neglect linked to faith or belief.…”