People in Nigeria, often women, children and people with disabilities, continue to face false accusations of “witchcraft”. These accusations can result in banishment, violent assaults, torture and even ritual killings.
Humanists International is proud to have supported the work of AfAW through its 2025 Grants Program. AfAW is a human rights and social justice organization dedicated to protecting individuals falsely accused of “witchcraft” and related supernatural crimes in Nigeria. Since its founding in 2020, the organization has carried out frontline interventions to rescue and support victims of accusations and violence.
Dr. Leo Igwe, Director of AfAW, said: “We need to launch a nationwide campaign against superstition and belief in witchcraft… This campaign should be taken to all Nigerian schools, colleges and universities. It should be publicized over the radios and television, in the newspapers, in market places, in churches and mosques.”
Over the past year, AfAW has provided emergency assistance to individuals accused of “witchcraft”, including legal referrals, emergency relocation support and social assistance. According to the organization, its interventions successfully halted planned mob attacks and “trials by ordeal” targeting alleged witches.
The organization reported that it directly supported 389 individuals and reached more than 80,000 people online through awareness-raising and advocacy campaigns. AfAW has also increased national attention on the issue through extensive media coverage and public engagement.
The project directly assisted at least 22 people through economic, legal, and psychosocial support, helping individuals falsely accused of “witchcraft” rebuild their lives. AfAW has also successfully facilitated the reintegration of accused persons back into their communities. In one recent case, Dr. Leo Igwe helped secure the reintegration of a victim into their local community.
Educational initiatives formed a key part of the project’s long-term strategy to challenge harmful superstitions and prevent future abuses. AfAW organized critical thinking workshops in three high schools in eastern Nigeria, where students and teachers responded enthusiastically, asking questions and engaging actively with discussions about superstition and human rights.
The organization also delivered sensitization workshops and community outreach programs across Nigeria by leveraging a strong network of partnerships developed over the years with support from Humanists International. AfAW collaborated with organizations including the National Human Rights Commission and the International Federation of Women Lawyers to identify communities where interventions would be most effective.
Feedback from law enforcement officials, lawyers, and traditional rulers who participated in capacity-building workshops was highly positive. The training contributed to concrete action on the ground, including one divisional police officer arresting accusers and transferring them for further prosecution after attending the program.
AfAW also commemorated the World Day Against Witch Hunts on 10 August across several Nigerian states. The events honored victims of accusations, displacement and persecution, while providing survivors with a platform to share their experiences.
Advocacy for Alleged Witches highlighted the impact of the Humanists International grant on its work: “We are grateful for the support of Humanists International, which has enabled Advocacy for Alleged Witches to respond to urgent cases, expand public awareness, and strengthen advocacy efforts. The funding has helped save lives, challenge harmful beliefs, and promote respect for science, human dignity, and the rule of law.”
Humanists International has now announced the recipients of its 2026 Grants Program, which includes AfAW. The Grants Program is open exclusively to Members and Associates of Humanists International, and we encourage humanist organizations interested in joining to learn more about becoming a Member.
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