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The UN human rights chief has condemned the widespread killings of albinos in some African countries.  Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein warned there is a sharp increase of “vicious” killings of albinos in Malawi and Tanzania. The UN recorded at least six killings in Malawi since the beginning of 2015, and eight cases in Tanzania since August  2014. In Burundi, at least 19 albinos have been killed since 2008.

Albinism is a genetically inherited condition that prevents the body from producing melanin, the pigment that colours skin, hair and eyes. In some African countries, albino are not regarded as humans and they are killed as their body parts are considered essential ingredients for black magic potions.