“For his indefatigable work in advocating on behalf of alleged witches at both the global and the regional level”, Dr. Leo Igwe, has received an Inaugural Award from The International Network Against Accusations of Witchcraft And Associated Harmful Practices (TINAAWAHP), a humanitarian group that seeks to raise awareness about the human rights abuses taking place as a result of beliefs in witchcraft.
Dr. Igwe, who directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), received the award during a two-day international conference on witchcraft and human rights held at Lancaster University, United Kingdom.
The award, endorsed by Professors Miranda Forsyth and Charlotte Baker, both, Directors at TINAAWAHP, recognized Dr. Igwe’s effort in advancing the implementation of the Human Rights Council Resolution on the elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks.
According to analysts, the Inaugural Award conferred on Dr Igwe, is a well deserved one, given the excellent work he is doing for humanity under the banner of AfAW, a non-governmental organization that protects and defends the rights of persons accused of witchcraft.
It could be recalled that in August 10, 2024, Dr. Igwe joined other humanists around the globe to celebrate the World Day Against Witch Hunts, a platform he used to enlighten attendees at the one-day event held in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Southeast Nigeria, on the need to end accusations of witchcraft and victimization of alleged witches.
Dr Igwe who spoke extensively on the theme of the Day; “Challenging Religious Leaders’ Role in Witch Hunts”, expressed concern that many incidents of witch-hunting had been linked to pastors, priests, diviners, imams, prophets, and prophetesses, who claim to have powers to identify and overwhelm ‘witches’.
He admonished Religious Leaders to turn a new leaf and brace up to the challenge of ending witchcraft persecution and accusation.