Witchcraft allegations, refugee protection and human rights –
A course for lawyers and legal advisers
4 – 5 September 2010
Oxford, United Kingdom
On September 4-5, 2010, the UNHCR and the Fahamu Refugee Programme are organizing a course for lawyers and legal advisers on how to best represent those whose claims to asylum are based upon accusations of witchcraft.
The persecution of those accused of witchcraft is occurring today in communities around the globe. It is particularly prevalent in Africa. Startling accounts of torture, starvation, abandonment and death have been documented. Accused witches have been executed by hanging, drowning and burning, with paraffin or petrol thrown at them to ignite the fire. Its victims are often from vulnerable groups; the elderly, the disabled and increasingly over the past two decades, children.
The course aims to arm lawyers and legal advisers with the information, networks and resources they require to represent those accused of witchcraft.
For more information about the course , please contact Maria Riiskjaer, riiskjae@unhcr.org. To register for the course email to rebecca@fahamu.org. Registration deadline is 21 August 2010
UNHCR and Fahamu Refugee Programme look forward to engaging with you in relation to this significant, emerging issue in refugee law.
Witchcraft, Displacement and Human Rights Network 