We explore the urgent human rights crisis affecting people with albinism in Africa. Expert guest Jay Mohammed Osman Kamara, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism (SLAPWA), discusses protecting persons with albinism and the critical significance of UN Resolution 47/8 on eliminating harmful practices related to witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks. Drawing from his experiences and presentation at the Witchcraft and Human Rights Conference, Kamara reveals how deeply-rooted supernatural beliefs fuel deadly misconceptions, discrimination, and ritual attacks against persons with albinism. The conversation examines SLAPWA's grassroots advocacy, community education initiatives, and protection strategies, while highlighting how the climate crisis creates extreme vulnerabilities for the albinism community. Learn about the critical need for enhanced data collection, stronger government protections, and international cooperation in safeguarding persons with albinism. Content warning: This episode contains discussions of discrimination, violence, and suicide. Crisis support resources - United States: call/text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org; United Kingdom: call 111 or text SHOUT to 85258; Canada: call/text 988; Sierra Leone: dial 019.
Links to learn more and become a partner
email: slapwa.sl@gmail.com
Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism
Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism Facebook Page
End Witch Hunts U. S. Nonprofit Organization
Pro Victimis
Medical Assistance Sierra Leone
This is Lancaster Podcast: Witchcraft Accusation in the Modern World
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