In Pictures: Human Rights Abuses related to Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices

Over the last few decades, more than 20,000 people around the world have been the victims of accusations of witchcraft, associated harmful practices, and ritual attacks. Many such accusations have led to serious violations of human rights, ranging from discrimination and banishment to physical violence such as beatings, burnings, the cutting of body parts and the amputation of limbs, and torture. Thousands have been killed. Women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable.

Despite the seriousness and widespread nature of these human rights violations, robust state-led responses are rare.