WDI supports Peruvian women accused of witchcraft and tortured

Women’s Declaration International (WDI) is horrified by the brutal abduction and torture of seven women and a man accused of witchcraft by the Ronderos of Chillia, La Libertad. The women were freed last week but the Ronderos made them sign a document saying that those women can not press any charges, or go to the doctor in for an official exam to determine the damage caused during the torture. More information is available on the local TV channel (contains upsetting images).

Article 8 of the Declaration on Women’s Sex-Based Rights reaffirms the need for the elimination of violence against women and asserts that “States should “[d]evelop penal, civil, labour and administrative sanctions in domestic legislation to punish and redress the wrongs caused to women who are subjected to violence; women who are subjected to violence should be provided with access to the mechanisms of justice and, as provided for by national legislation, to just and effective remedies for the harm that they have suffered; States should also inform women of their rights in seeking redress through such mechanisms.’’

While expressing our solidarity with these Peruvian survivors and their families, we urge politicians in Peru to take a firm stand, ensuring that the perpetrators are held accountable and that more is done to safeguard the lives, safety and sex-based rights of women and girls.