Dakar, Senegal, 12 july 2010 - A child is given a slice of mango and is asked to commit murder in return. Another admits to killing 800 people while flying with other witches on a piece of tree bark. The 'confessions' are dangerous and highly revealing.
The number of children accused of being 'witches' in parts of Africa is rising, and so too are the numbers of children suffering extreme physical or psychological violence as a result.
The new report from UNICEF's Regional Office uses anthropological studies and reports of aid agencies to analyse a complex and difficult area that attracts large headlines but little understanding. What emerges is painful. Accusations of witchcraft seem to arise from situations of 'multi-crisis' and usually affect children who are already vulnerable.
"Many social and economic pressures, including conflict, poverty, urbanisation and the weakening of communities, or HIV/AIDS seem to have contributed to the recent increase in witchcraft accusations against children", said UNICEF's Regional Child Protection Adviser for West and Central Africa, Joachim Theis. "Child witchcraft accusations are part of a rising tide of child abuse, violence and neglect and they are manifestations of deeper social problems affecting society."
Belief in witchcraft is widespread in Africa, as in other parts of the world. However, until recently, violent allegations of witchcraft were not levelled against children. Particularly in several Central African countries there are now alarming numbers of killings of adults accused of being 'sorcerers' and a growing and recent phenomenon in urban areas of witchcraft accusations against children and adolescents.
Drawing on a range of studies the report highlights those who are most likely to be accused and suffer as a result. Becoming an orphan and being brought up by relatives is a risk factor, as is the arrival of a step parent. Character traits that suggest aggression or a solitary temperament can be as dangerous in this respect as having physical deformities or conditions such as autism. Most seem to be boys.
Added into an already rich mix of culture and tradition is the rise of Christian preachers, particularly from charismatic and Pentecostal churches. Some of these have reinforced popular beliefs while whipping up emotions and charging families for the exorcism of their children, turning the suffering of children into a lucrative business.
In several countries witchcraft is regarded as a criminal offense and children, as well as adults, accused of witchcraft risk being convicted to prison sentences.
Some strategies are suggested. The report says it is key to conduct studies into beliefs and practices to better understand what is happening, while engaging with communities as well as traditional and spiritual leaders. It suggests there should also be a series of legal reforms such as the decriminalisation of witchcraft while allowing for better legal protection for children and processes. There should also be better access to social welfare for those who are marginalised and living on the streets.
"While witchcraft accusations against children are linked to certain cultural and religious reasons, the response to these forms of child abuse are no different than the response to other forms of violence and neglect of children", said Theis.
"They are basic components of a comprehensive response and prevention system and include: research to get a good understanding of the phenomenon and its causes, care and protection for children who have been victims of abuse; awareness raising, education and mobilisation regarding child abuse among the general population and among professional groups and political and religious leaders; reform of legislation and more effective law enforcement."
But why does a 16 year old boy risk his life by confessing that he gave human flesh in return for the gift of a mango slice? The report concludes that abandoned children find it hard to find their place in the world. The 'confessions' therefore express heartfelt desire and regret as they stand on the margins of a globalised world and wish for a full stomach, respect and dignity.
For more information, please contact:
Gaelle Bausson, UNICEF West and Central Africa Regional Office
Tel: +221 77 450 5816, Email: gbausson@unicef.org