Africa: Witchcraft Branding, Spirit Possession and Safeguarding African Children

Conference Background

 Increasing numbers of African children are suffering the consequences of being branded as witches or as possessed by evil spirits. This is particularly so in many parts of Africa and is equally a reality here in the UK. Accusations of witchcraft within a community can lead to a litany of abuses: physical, emotional, and sexual and neglect resulting in maltreatment, torture and in some instances, death. In some African countries, it has led to children being rejected by their families, forcing children as young as 5 years onto the streets where they are further exposed to other forms of abuse and exploitation. These children resort to a range of survival mechanisms including drug abuse and theft. In the UK, there have been many recorded cases of children abused and harmed by their families in the belief that they are witches. At least two cases of children killed as a direct result of witchcraft branding are known to have occurred in the country.

The need to understand the context within which this form of abuse occurs, identify the drivers of witchcraft branding and examine strategies to increase protection for vulnerable children has become necessary in order to protect children from continuous harm.

This unique and timely conference will attract participants from across Europe, Asia and Africa where different themes will be explored through Papers, Workshops, Presentations and Posters. 

Conference Aims:

The conference will explore the issue of the branding children as witches in all its dimensions looking at different factors underlying the phenomenon, its impact, different policies and strategies to tackle this growing problem. A focus will be put on the importance of religious beliefs given the role the faith organisations can play in enforcing the recommendations that will come out of the conference. 

Outcomes expected: 

1. Raise awareness by  examining key concepts, laws, policies and practices around the issues of child branding and child protection
2. Promote discussion and information exchange on the various forms of faith related abuse, their prevalence and impact on victims
3. Explore strategies to increase protection for children who are susceptible to branding as witches
4. Identify strategies to increase dialogue and joint working between different stakeholders to help tackle the phenomenon of child branding.

Invited Keynote Speakers:

1. Tim Loughton MP, UK Minister for Children and Families
2. His Excellency Godswill Akpabio, Executive Governor, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
3. Ms. Bience Gawanas, Commissioner for Social Affairs, African Union
4. Debbie Ariyo OBE: Founder of AFRUCA UK and Nigeria

Conference Fee: £155 (per delegate) 

To Register and for Further Enquiries

Please complete attached conference and booking form. Complete and return with your delegate fee to Justin Bahunga, Policy and Network Development Officer, AFRUCA UK, Unit 3D/F Leroy House, 436 Essex Road, London N1 3QP or via email: [email protected]