1. UN Expert workshop Witchcraft and human rights 21 & 22 September 2017 Palais Wilson, Geneva
Preliminary outcomes

2. Manifestations of Witchcraft
How have witchcraft beliefs impacted you/groups you represent?
Attacks and mutilation
Family, community and Church
Human trafficking
Explanation of misfortune and natural disasters (flooding and climate change)
Human sacrifice
End of marriage and
Ill treatment by family against children

3. What is witchcraft?
What does “witchcraft” include or encompass? Use of an umbrella definition at the international level that cover the plurality of manifestations of witchcraft, with a focus on harmful practices and States’ obligations as defined by international human rights law “Be aware of the practical consequences of language” “Need for a nuanced approach to beliefs” “Need for focusing on harm not on beliefs” “Need for challenging beliefs”

4. What does witchcraft encompass?
Deeply rooted reality, engrained in societies System of explanation/exploitaton of misfortune Beliefs in supernatural powers A global phenomenon – criminal enterprise Part of a wider system of oppression Misconception of public health issue

5. Harmful practices Violence against women and due diligence
Right to life - firm and immediate action
Hate crime (illness&deaths)
Duty to prevent
CRC/CEDAW provisions
Human trafficking

6. Civil society perspectives
Witchcraft accusations on the rise
Witchcraft beliefs need to be challenged in addition to focusing on human rights violations
State needs to take seriously these issues
Training to police officers
Civil society campaign
More research with academics
Preventive measures
Recognition of witchcraft accusation as harmful traditional practices

7. Ritual Attacks and Killings
Children particularly vulnerable and need for children safeguarding and early interventions to tackle risks (prevention)
Ritual killing of persons with albinism is extreme violence resulting from witchcraft
Primary motivation of ritual killing is material gains

8. Solutions (I)
A range of good practices and recommendations: a comprehensive and multilevel response
Respect international, national and local leaders
Education and awareness campaign
Participatory research
Vigilance committee
Prosecution and access to justice
health awareness and in medical
Legislative and institutional measures

9. Solutions (II)
A range of good practices and recommendations: a comprehensive and multilevel response
Data collection and monitoring
Official record of birth and death
Faith leaders need to address the issue
States to undertake quick investigation and prosecution
Increase budget for the judiciary

10. Solutions (III)
A range of good practices and recommendations: a comprehensive and multilevel response
Gov. – initiate review and amendments of law, including witchcraft Act that reflect human rights standards
Gov.– awareness raising
Gov. – national plan to end the discrimination
Gov. - Use the Regional Action Plan of Action on persons with albinism as a framework of action
Gov. – Build capacities and undertake training of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies
Gov. . Should prohibit advertisement of witchcraft in the media

11. Solutions (IV)
A range of good practices and recommendations: a comprehensive and multilevel response
Regulation on religious activities
NHRI, Policie and Civil Society – campaign to dismantle myths that promote crime
Ensure participation of those concerned

12. The Way Forward Global movement
Address the beliefs and motivation behind witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks
UN resolution on witchcraft and human rights to prompt international response
International fund to be established at the UN
Make use of the SDG agenda – leave no one behind, starting with the furthest behind first
Further engage regional mechanisms, in particular in Africa