Story highlights The southern African nation has about 10,000 albinos

Malawi has seen increasing attacks in recent years, U.N. warns

(CNN) Malawi's albinos are at risk of "total extinction" amid escalating attacks against them for their body parts, the United Nations warned.

Albinism is a genetic condition that leads to little or no pigment in the eyes, skin and hair.

Albinism is a genetic condition that leads to little or no pigment in the eyes, skin and hair. The southern African nation has about 10,000 albinos, according to the U.N.

In some African countries, albinos' body parts are believed to bring wealth and good luck. As a result, attackers chop off their limbs and pluck out organs, and sell them to witchdoctors.

Even after albinos are killed, some attackers go a step further and steal their remains from graveyards, said Ikponwosa Ero, the United Nations' expert on albinism.

Living in constant fear