The present report is submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 47/8 on the elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks. In it the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights depicts the severity of human rights violations and abuses rooted in harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks. It also describes the adverse human rights impacts on persons in vulnerable situations and the factors that affect their vulnerability. The Office concludes that additional efforts, including more comprehensive data gathering and further research, are needed to develop a greater understanding of the various aspects of this complex problem. It recommends a number of actions, such as developing comprehensive frameworks for prevention.