A/69/264 Children accused of witchcraft 39. In many communities, children with disabilities and with albinism, children without parental care and specially gifted children are the target of witchcraft accusations. Surrounded by social exclusion, stigma, fear, deep isolation and ostracism, they are branded as witches, in itself a form of psychological violence, and exposed to physical attacks and other manifestations of violence, including starvation, abandonment, amputation of body parts, and death. This phenomenon cuts across all social lines and is being reported across regions. 40. Misfortune and unexpected bad luck, sudden and incurable disease, or death often fuel the belief in witchcraft and the stigmatization of marginalized children. Traditional healers and local leaders may condone witchcraft accusations; and uninformed families may seek assistance to exorcise the child’s “evil” spirits. Rituals are surrounded by secrecy and, by fear and superstition, remain hidden and concealed. A comprehensive strategy to secure effective protection 41. In some countries, important legislative initiatives have addressed violence against children with albinism and those accused of witchcraft, criminalizing harmful practices and issuing protective measures to secure children ’s safety and protection. Legislation is, however, insufficient to change superstition and deeply rooted beliefs. To ensure the protection of these children, the Special Representative has called for a comprehensive strategy highlighting, the following measures: (a) Supporting the protective role of the family. Parents and members of the extended family play a central role in the care and protection of children and need to be sensitized and supported in their child-rearing responsibilities. To address the social and economic drivers of violence against children with albinism or accused of witchcraft, it is critical to provide basic social services of quality to families concerned, to promote child development, well-being and effective protection, and to prevent children’s exposure to harm. (b) Empowering children to prevent and address violence. Marginalized children need to be supported as influential actors in the process of social change aimed at the abandonment of negative attitudes and behaviour against them. Education, information and awareness-raising are indispensable to provide children with the knowledge, skills, and self-confidence necessary to counter violence and discrimination. (c) Engaging strategic stakeholders. The involvement of political, religious, traditional and tribal leaders is crucial in violence prevention and in the care and protection of marginalized children. The association of such influential actors opens avenues to enhance awareness among families and communities about child rights and about the impact and consequences of children’s exposure to violence. In turn, this helps to overcome fear, to influence change in violent and discriminatory attitudes and behaviour, and to support children’s protection from discrimination, abuse and neglect. (d) Ensuring a universal vital registration system. The universal and mandatory registration of births is indispensable to plan for the basic social services children are entitled to, and provide the special assistance victims of social exclusion particularly need; it helps to secure children’s protection; and is crucial to break the invisibility of the violence that these children endure. 14-58801 9/23