GUWAHATI: Birubala Rabha has been waging a lonely war. For decades, the rights activist has been single-handedly fighting against "witch-hunting" practices within the state. Taking the issue to a larger stage, Rabha is all set to speak about the scenario at the Witchcraft and Human Rights Experts Workshop at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on September 28 and 29.The event is being organized by the Witchcraft and Human Rights Information Network (WHRIN), the UN Independent Expert on human rights by persons with albinism, Ikponwosa Ero and Lancaster University in the UK."Having been an admirer of your work for some time now, I am hopeful that you may be able to attend the event and I very much look forward to meeting you in Geneva," Gary Foxcroft, the executive director of WHRIN wrote in the mail to invite Rabha.An elated Rabha said she hopes this platform would help her in her fight against the evil practice. "This is obviously a great opportunity for us to raise the issue at the global platform. I desperately hope it does help in bringing a change. The bottom line is the act has to be brought and the government has to play a role," Rabha told TOI.The two-day event will highlight the various manifestations of witchcraft beliefs and practice, including accusations, stigma, and ritual killings, before looking to identify good practice in combating such practices in the presence of UN experts, academics and members of civil society.The Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Bill 2015, supposed to be the strictest of its kind in the country, was passed in 2015. However, it is yet to be implemented and awaits approval from the Union home ministry.

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