How can harmful practices related to beliefs in witchcraft and sorcery be regulated?

A podcast with Professor Miranda Forsyth

Many people in the Global North might see the inquiry into regulating harmful practices associated with witchcraft and sorcery as a little obscure or niche. However, it’s not the case. Indeed, there are compelling reasons why this should command widespread attention.

Firstly, the prevalence of violence and societal stigmatisation stemming from these beliefs constitutes a grave violation of human rights across many countries worldwide. It is a concern highlighted by the recent 2021 UN Human Rights Declaration.

Moreover, this type of abuse isn't confined solely to the Global South; instances have surfaced in the U.K., where official recognition has shed light on thousands of cases annually, particularly those involving child abuse linked to witchcraft beliefs. This form of maltreatment has too often evaded official scrutiny, placing the burden of safeguarding the vulnerable and aiding survivors onto grassroots organisations, community leaders, and compassionate individuals.

Secondly, the concern extends to a conceptual level, requiring an exploration of what Professor Forsyth terms ‘worldview pluralism’. This involves grappling with regulatory frameworks that intersect with broader societal challenges like scapegoating, misinformation, conspiracy ideologies, and extremism.