Concept note on the Elimination of Harmful Practices related to Witchcraft Accusations and Ritual Killings

In numerous countries around the world, HPAWR have resulted in serious violations of human rights, including discrimination and stigmatization, banishment from families and communities, and various forms of torture and ill-treatment, such as beatings, shackling, burnings, cutting of body parts and amputation of limbs; grave desecrations, exploitation in the context of human trafficking, and killings. Women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities, including persons with albinism, are particularly vulnerable. Despite the seriousness of these human rights violations, there is often no robust state led response. National judicial systems frequently fail toact to prevent, investigate or prosecute human rights violations linked to HPAWR. This institutional failure perpetuates impunity