The United Nations (UN) has strongly condemned the alarming number of mob justice attacks against person accused of being so called ” Blood Suckers” that are taking place across Malawi.
The UN calls on national and local authorities to act urgently by conducting immediate investigations into all attacks , arresting and prosecuting alleged perpetrators, delivering social psychological and medical support to victims and rapid action to dispel the harmful beliefs that lead to these attacks.
This is contained in a statement signed by Ms Maria Jose Torres, UN Resident Coordinator to Malawi dated 7th April, 2020.
In a statement, the UN has called upon MPs to play an important role by countering misinformation in their constituencies, while religious and traditional leaders can send clear messages to their communities.
“Dangerous myths and misinformation are leading those vigilante attacks which constitute serious breaches of Malawian Criminal law and human rights standards “reads a statement in part.
The UN Malawi commends efforts to date by authorities to arrest suspects of these criminal acts as well as local messages to speak out against this senseless behavior, saying much more is required to stop this situation from worsening.
The international organization says it remains committed to supporting national authorities and communities to address this situation saying currently, there are more than 20 Agencies and specialized organizations of the UN active in Malawi through which their work contribute to ensuring a better life for the people of Malawi.
The media has reported five deaths in the past three weeks, two persons murdered in Mzimba around 23rd March, two persons burnt to death in Chitipa around 25th March and one man murdered in Rumphi on 4th April, this year.
In addition, ten separate violent attacks were reported during the same period in Kasungu, Ntchisi, Dowa, Mchinji, Karonga and Nkhatabay saying these attacks included violent assaults on police officers and health workers, as well as the destruction of buildings and vehicles.
