African children accused of witchcraft endure severe physical and psychological violence, according to a new report by the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF). The study highlights widespread ritual attacks, forced confessions, and systemic government inaction despite international child rights commitments.
Systemic Government Failures ¶
Dr. Joan Nyanyuki, ACPF's executive director, condemned the lack of legal protections against witchcraft accusations, which she called a form of psychological violence. 'Governments have failed to prevent these attacks or mitigate the harm suffered by victims,' she stated. The report notes that 2022 data shows thousands of children across 22 African nations face these abuses, with no explicit legal prohibitions in many countries.
Case Studies and Consequences ¶
A 13-year-old girl from Benin spent years in a protection center after being accused of witchcraft, only to be rejected by her community upon return. 'Children suffer public humiliation, forced confessions, torture, and in extreme cases, murder,' Nyanyuki said. The report documents cases of children with albinism facing particularly brutal attacks, though progress in Malawi reduced such incidents from 60 in 2016 to four in 2021.
Challenges and Calls for Action ¶
The ACPF warns that limited resources and cultural secrecy hinder effective responses. 'Witchcraft accusations are deeply rooted in tradition and remain one of the most elusive harmful practices,' Nyanyuki added. The report urges governments to prioritize prevention and enforcement, emphasizing that these crimes must be treated as serious violations of children's rights.
