International Conference - Witchcraft accusations and human rights: Stakeholder responses to UN Resolution 47/8
10-11 November, The Grand Palace, Mzuzu, Malawi
Conference Overview
Dates: 10–11 November 2026
Location: The Grand Palace Hotel, Mzuzu, Malawi
Host institutions: University of Livingstonia & INAWARA
Expected delegation: 70+ presenters, researchers, survivor-advocates, traditional leaders, faith leaders, and policymakers across 20+ countries
About the Conference
On 12 July 2021, the UN Human Rights Council adopted landmark Resolution 47/8, committing member states to eliminate harmful practices linked to witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks.
In November 2026, INAWARA and the University of Livingstonia will convene the third international conference on witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks with a focus on putting Resolution 47/8 into practice on the ground. Hosted at The Grand Palace Hotel in Mzuzu, Malawi, this two-day gathering brings together frontline practitioners, scholars, community leaders and survivor-advocates to bridge the gap between global human rights frameworks and local realities.
The conference prioritises voices and lived experiences from affected communities, with a special focus on protecting groups disproportionately targeted by these harmful practices, including women, older persons, children, persons with albinism and persons with disabilities.
Conference Program
A draft conference program is now available to give you an overview of the sessions and speakers planned for the event.
Please note that the program is subject to change, and a final program will be provided closer to the event and confirmed at registration.
Core thematic tracks
Implementation of UN Resolution 47/8: Aligning international human rights frameworks with national legal systems, law enforcement responses and customary legal frameworks.
Legal pluralism & customary governance: Working alongside traditional, customary and community authorities to transform harmful practices while respecting cultural contexts.
Frontline protection & gender justice: Developing actionable safeguarding protocols for survivor protection, emergency shelter and legal advocacy for vulnerable groups.
Cross-sectoral partnerships: Building practical alliances between academic research, grassroots advocacy, legal defence networks and faith-based peacebuilding.
Actionable Deliverable: The Mzuzu Statement
In addition to academic discussion, this is a working conference designed to produce tangible outcomes. The program will open with an official Survivor Address and conclude with the drafting and adoption of the Mzuzu Statement of Practical Commitments, a concrete framework of implementation strategies that delegates will take home to more than 20 countries to drive implementation of Resolution 47/8 at local and national levels.
Registration Fees & Inclusions
How to register
Online registration is now open. Please complete the registration form to register.
Payment: Direct bank transfer details for the University of Livingstonia will be provided by the Organising Committee following initial registration.
Travel, Accommodation & Airport Logistics
Conference venue & hotel: The Grand Palace Hotel, Mzuzu.
Included accommodation: Packages covering accommodation include 3 nights total (checkout is the morning of 12 November 2026).
Airport transfers (Lilongwe - LLW): Complimentary airport transfers between Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe (LLW) and Mzuzu are provided for International, Global South, Postgraduate and Non-Profit delegates.
Arrival shuttles: Two scheduled shuttles will run from LLW airport timed around major flight arrivals (mid-afternoon and early evening) on 9 November.
Return shuttle: A coordinated group transfer departs Mzuzu for LLW airport on the morning of 12 November 2026.
Important travel time lead: The drive between Mzuzu and Lilongwe (LLW) is ~5 hours. Combined with the 3-hour international flight check-in requirement, delegates require an 8-hour total lead time before flight departure times.
Visas: Visa information and online processing are available via evisa.gov.mw. Official visa support letters from the University of Livingstonia are provided upon registration.
Call for Delegate Sponsorship
Many of our core presenters are early-career scholars, community workers and survivor-advocates from low-income communities who cannot attend without financial support.
Sponsor a delegate (USD $400): Fully covers registration, accommodation, transfers, and catering for one frontline practitioner or survivor-advocate.
Institutional sponsorship (USD $1,500 – $6,000): Packages are available for grant-making bodies, universities, and non-profits seeking session hosting or lead partner branding rights.
For more information, please see our Call for Sponsorship, and consider helping make the conference accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to attend.