In January 2010, DRC initiated a novel project which aims to protect persons accused of witchcraft and promote respect for their rights. The project started in the Prefectures of Ouham, Ouham-Pendé, Lobaye and Kemo and has since expanded to Nana and Ouaka Prefectures in the Northern and Western part of Central African Republic.
Violence linked to accusations of witchcraft is very widespread in Central African Republic. Often, it is the most vulnerable, such as children, women, the handicapped and the elderly, who are accused of witchcraft. They are frequently subjected to gruesome violence, persecution and inhumane treatment at the hands of the local population, at times resulting in death. Moreover, the perpetrators are rarely brought to justice, while the ‘witches’ may end up facing charges.
Witchcraft is recognised as a crime in the Central African Criminal Code, articles 149 and 150, and may be punished with up to ten years’ imprisonment. Despite inherent difficulties in proving – and disproving – the use of witchcraft, around 60% of all prisoners in Central African Republics have been sentenced for charlatanism and witchcraft. Because the accused are often among the most vulnerable persons, they lack the resources and capacity to claim their rights or defend themselves, in and outside of court. DRC offers legal assistance to individuals accused of witchcraft to ensure that they have a more just and due process as well as medical assistance when necessary. In collaboration with the Central African Association of Female Lawyers (Association des Femmes Juristes Centrafricaines - AFJC), DRC also supports several legal clinics which focus on the prevention and response to gender based violence with a specific focus on witchcraft accusations. The legal clinics assist victims of human rights violations with legal information, consultation, mediation and referral to other bodies such as courts.
DRC also works to reduce the violence directed against persons accused of witchcraft. Through campaigns, trainings and discussions with a wide audience – local officials, magistrates, the police, health and social services staff, civil society organisations as well as neighbourhood representatives and traditional healers – DRC seeks to promote the respect for human rights and the protection of vulnerable people. Those who have been convicted of witchcraft or have survived a purge are assisted with reintegration into their home areas or relocation to another area, when stigmatisation and persecution make reintegration impossible.
