Call for Papers - Witchcraft Accusations and Human Rights: Stakeholder Responses to UN Resolution 47/8
Date: 10-11 November 2026
Time: 2 full days
Venue: University of Livingstonia, Mzuzu, Malawi
Call for papers
In July 2021, the UN Human Rights Council adopted Resolution 47/8 on the elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks (HPAWRA). This Resolution represents the culmination of sustained advocacy and engagement by a wide range of international, regional, and local stakeholders. It expresses deep concern that accusations of witchcraft and related practices have resulted in serious human rights violations, including killings, mutilation, burning, trafficking, torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and social stigmatisation. At the same time, the Resolution urges States to take all necessary measures to eliminate such practices while respecting freedom of religion or belief.
While Resolution 47/8 is directed primarily at States, its effective implementation depends heavily on the actions, cooperation and accountability of multiple stakeholders. Civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, churches and other faith-based institutions, traditional and community leaders, researchers, educators, health professionals and international actors all play critical roles in shaping responses at local, national and international levels.
This conference focuses on the roles, responsibilities and experiences of these stakeholders in responding to Resolution 47/8. It asks:
How are different actors engaging with the Resolution in practice?
How can NGOs, churches, faith leaders, law enforcers and community authorities support or influence State compliance?
What partnerships and tensions exist between States and non-State actors?
What lessons can be learned from past and present stakeholder-led initiatives addressing accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks?
How can approaches used in the implementation of other UN resolutions on harmful practice, such as those addressing female genital mutilation, inform future action?
We particularly welcome contributions that examine concrete experiences, successful initiatives and persistent challenges faced by stakeholders working on the ground, as well as critical reflections on coordination, legitimacy, data gathering and power in responses to HPAWRA.
We invite submissions that explore, but are not limited to, the following themes:
The roles of NGOs, civil society organisations and international advocacy networks in promoting and monitoring the implementation of Resolution 47/8 and its mission
The engagement of churches, faith-based organisations, and religious leaders in preventing witchcraft accusations, responding to violence and shaping community attitudes
The influence of traditional authorities, community leaders and local governance structures in addressing accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks
Interactions between States and non-State actors in responding to HPAWRA, including cooperation, conflict and accountability
Gender, disability, age, poverty, ethnicity and other intersecting factors, as addressed by different stakeholders
Lessons from past and present initiatives led by community-based actors, NGOs, or faith institutions
Barriers faced by stakeholders in responding to HPAWRA, including legal, cultural, political or theological challenges
Comparative insights from stakeholder engagement with other UN resolutions on harmful practices
Existing and emerging drivers of HPAWRA as well as new trends, such as in types of harm and classes of victim
The future role of civil society, faith actors and community leadership in advancing the aims of Resolution 47/8.
Proposals:
Please submit a 250-word proposal and a short bio of no more than 100 words to Professor Miranda Forsyth, miranda.forsyth@anu.edu.au with the Subject line: INAWARA Conference 2026.
Proposals should be submitted by 31 March 2026. The Organising Committee will communicate decisions by 17 April 2026.
Registration:
Conference registration is expected to be in the range of USD $180–200 per person per night, which will cover the conference fee, accommodation and catering.
Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of international flights, local transfers and visas.
While we will actively seek funding to support participation, applicants should plan on the basis that they may need to self-fund.
Organising Committee:
The Very Rev. Associate Professor Timothy P.K. Nyasulu (Vice Chancellor, University of Livingstonia, Malawi), Dr Mary Sibande (University of Livingstonia, Malawi), Professor Miranda Forsyth (Australian National University), Professor Charlotte Baker (Lancaster University, UK).
