BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY Persecution of People with Albinism (PWA) may occur for different reasons. One is based on the belief that certain body parts of albinistic people can transmit magical powers. Suchsuperstition is present in some parts of the African Great Lakes region, it has been promulgated and exploited by witch doctors and others who use such body parts as ingredients in rituals, concoctions and potions with the claim that their magic will bring prosperity to the user ("muti" ormedicine murder)[1]
As a result, people with albinism have been persecuted, killed and dismembered, and graves of albinos dug up and desecrated. At the same time, people with albinism have also been ostracised and even killed for exactly the opposite reason, because they are presumed to be cursed and bring bad luck.[2]
Albinism is a genetically inherited condition which is very rare and worldwide affects approximately one in twenty thousand people [3] Although rare in the western world, albinism is quite common in sub-Saharan Africa, likely as a result of consanguinity.”[4] Both parents who may or may not be albinos themselves must carry the gene if it is to be passed on to the child and is common both in male and female and is not specific to any race or ethnic group. Statistics prove that fifty percent of albinos in Tanzania have an albino relative which they know of[5] although very few understand or are educated about the medical and genetic causes of this condition. Most people believe it is a punishment from God or bad luck and that their “disease” could be contagious which is often the view of even members of the medical and professional community. These misconceptions, coupled with the lack of education are some of the key reasons that albinism is so heavily persecuted. This lack of knowledge around people with Albinism (PWA) means that myth and superstition in the name of witchcraft take place of medical and scientific facts in the minds of many albinos and native Africans which in turn has major effects the social integration of albinos into society. Ninety eight percent of albinos die by THE AGE
of forty for reasons which could easily be prevented.[6]
of forty for reasons which could easily be prevented.[6]
BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY
Current statistics of Albino persecution
The most recent report has just been released on April 1 by Canadian organisation 'Under the Same Sun' based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. "Reported Attacks of Persons with Albinism" official document has reviewed one hundred and eighty countries stating the current total killings has now reached one hundred and twenty nine , and total attacks have reached one hundred and eighty one. Attacks include survivors of mutilations, violence, grave violations, asylum cases creating a total of three hundred and ten acts of persecution which have been recorded and reported from twenty three countries.[7]
Tanzania
In Tanzania, the number of albinos is much higher than in any other nation, where one in every one thousand four hundred and twenty nine births an albino is born. Therefore overall a larger population of Albino’s living in this particular part of east Africa with six thousand, nine hundred and seventy seven officially REGISTERED according to Al-Shaymaa Kwegyir, an albino representative as a member of parliament (MP) in Tanzania.[8] However is believed that there may be up to seventeen thousand undocumented albinos in Tanzania [9] A number of albinos have fled to the Dar es Salaam area, as they feel safer in an urban setting. Tanzania is thought to have the largest population of albinos in Africa.[10] Therefore the persecution of albino’s in east Africa especially is occurring in Shinyanga and Mwanza where witch doctors have influenced the people and their views around the potential magical and superstitious properties of albino’s body parts. There are further issues which arise when there is lack of education around albinism as within families when an albino child is born as fathers’ often suspect the mother of the albino child of being unfaithful and having sexual relations with a white man due to the colour of the child’s SKIN or that the child is the ghost of a European colonist.[4] This can cause immense strain on families, relationships and love expressed to an albino child who is often treated as an unwanted member, and many cases of infanticide occur due to superstitious views around an albino child as being a bad omen.
according to Al-Shaymaa Kwegyir, an albino representative as a member of parliament (MP) in Tanzania.[8] However is believed that there may be up to seventeen thousand undocumented albinos in Tanzania [9] A number of albinos have fled to the Dar es Salaam area, as they feel safer in an urban setting. Tanzania is thought to have the largest population of albinos in Africa.[10] Therefore the persecution of albino’s in east Africa especially is occurring in Shinyanga and Mwanza where witch doctors have influenced the people and their views around the potential magical and superstitious properties of albino’s body parts. There are further issues which arise when there is lack of education around albinism as within families when an albino child is born as fathers’ often suspect the mother of the albino child of being unfaithful and having sexual relations with a white man due to the colour of the child’s SKIN or that the child is the ghost of a European colonist.[4] This can cause immense strain on families, relationships and love expressed to an albino child who is often treated as an unwanted member, and many cases of infanticide occur due to superstitious views around an albino child as being a bad omen.Origins of myths and superstition causing persecution of people with Albinism (PWA)
African rituals and spiritual ideas around albinism have led to the brutal murder and attacks on innocent men, women and especially children under the influence of witchcraft and superstition and desperation for wealth. These ideas have been around for many generations, however in recent years witch doctors have been teaching misconceived ideas about the promise of wealth, success and power when albino limbs or HAIR is used in a potion as part of a witchcraft practices. This has gained public attention nationally and internationally as these crimes have been reported which are crimes against human rights. “infanticide, kidnapping, amputations, and decapitations, committed for purposes of supplying highly valued body parts used for amulets, which are then sold in underground witchcraft MARKET.[11]” Therefore this cause’s great unrest and angst amount the albino population who must be protected and often live in a state of solitude simply to protect their own lives and to prevent being hunted like animals.[5]
is used in a potion as part of a witchcraft practices. This has gained public attention nationally and internationally as these crimes have been reported which are crimes against human rights. “infanticide, kidnapping, amputations, and decapitations, committed for purposes of supplying highly valued body parts used for amulets, which are then sold in underground witchcraft MARKET.[11]” Therefore this cause’s great unrest and angst amount the albino population who must be protected and often live in a state of solitude simply to protect their own lives and to prevent being hunted like animals.[5]
US congressmen Gerry colony in 2010 passed legislation to protect albinos and urge local governments to protect albinos where he states that “With their help and the passage of this resolution today, maybe we can bring an end to these horrific and heinous crimes.”[12]
It is clear that “the main driving forces underlying these profiling crimes are ignorance, myth, and superstition, such as the belief that individuals with albinism possess superpowers or that their body parts bestow fortune and HEALTH.” [11] It is commonly known that in many communities, predominantly in Tanzania and parts of east Africa, that superstitious views designed by ancient spiritual beliefs reinforced by local witch doctors which have been carried through centuries of ritualistic practices and mythical beliefs. This creates a serious risk to the lives of persons with albinism as the people believe it will bring them wealth, power, success or HEALTH depending on the variances of interpretation. Senior police officers claim that these body parts may be sold for as much as $75,000 on the black market[13] for a set of arms, legs, ears, and genitals from an individual with albinism.[8][11] Therefore there has been an extensive amount of albino murders in the past decade especially in Burundi and Tanzania, where in 2007 more than seventy documented killings and one hundred and fifty body parts of albino's have been chopped off. Now this number is well over one hundred, with low conviction rates and adding to that figure more albinos which have had limbs severed and left many crippled or severely maimed, traumatized and tortured in the process.[8]
.” [11] It is commonly known that in many communities, predominantly in Tanzania and parts of east Africa, that superstitious views designed by ancient spiritual beliefs reinforced by local witch doctors which have been carried through centuries of ritualistic practices and mythical beliefs. This creates a serious risk to the lives of persons with albinism as the people believe it will bring them wealth, power, success or HEALTH depending on the variances of interpretation. Senior police officers claim that these body parts may be sold for as much as $75,000 on the black market[13] for a set of arms, legs, ears, and genitals from an individual with albinism.[8][11] Therefore there has been an extensive amount of albino murders in the past decade especially in Burundi and Tanzania, where in 2007 more than seventy documented killings and one hundred and fifty body parts of albino's have been chopped off. Now this number is well over one hundred, with low conviction rates and adding to that figure more albinos which have had limbs severed and left many crippled or severely maimed, traumatized and tortured in the process.[8]
This does and has the potential to cause extreme trauma and stress on albino's in their daily lives already impacted by the stress of their condition affecting SKIN and eyesight and can create a constant state of insecurity and dis-trust. According to Navi Pillay, the The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, because of the social and educational exclusion which can often occur there are often very low education levels in albino’s and lack social and economic tools to live productive lives.[14] It also “ is a common belief that albinos have low brain capacity and are unable to function at the same level as ‘normal people’.[15] Therefore their ability to learn is often deficient due to the fact that one hundred percent of albinos suffer from some form of visual impairment[2] and their often is not sufficient educational facilities, learning supplies or funding to support children with limited sight.This causes extensive bullying, exclusion from friend groups, low self-esteem and confidence along with emotional and mental illness stemming from rejection by society and often family members who believe in superstitious myths about albinos. It is clearly revealed that no matter what mythical or spiritual mantra a person may be following or believing about albino’s there is a general view in “nearly all cultures in the region of east Africa held and some still hold the view that Albino’s are less desirable beings who are less than human.” [16] Therefore homes and schools specifically for albinos such as Buhangija albino school which have been created in a safe environment for learning and growing. Many children fear to ever return to their families in fear that they may be killed by even their closest relatives. Ukerewe Island is a key example of this, displayed in the film home to a large community of people with albinism where 62 albinos reside, most likely to remain in solitude and away from albino hunters.[17]
and eyesight and can create a constant state of insecurity and dis-trust. According to Navi Pillay, the The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, because of the social and educational exclusion which can often occur there are often very low education levels in albino’s and lack social and economic tools to live productive lives.[14] It also “ is a common belief that albinos have low brain capacity and are unable to function at the same level as ‘normal people’.[15] Therefore their ability to learn is often deficient due to the fact that one hundred percent of albinos suffer from some form of visual impairment[2] and their often is not sufficient educational facilities, learning supplies or funding to support children with limited sight.This causes extensive bullying, exclusion from friend groups, low self-esteem and confidence along with emotional and mental illness stemming from rejection by society and often family members who believe in superstitious myths about albinos. It is clearly revealed that no matter what mythical or spiritual mantra a person may be following or believing about albino’s there is a general view in “nearly all cultures in the region of east Africa held and some still hold the view that Albino’s are less desirable beings who are less than human.” [16] Therefore homes and schools specifically for albinos such as Buhangija albino school which have been created in a safe environment for learning and growing. Many children fear to ever return to their families in fear that they may be killed by even their closest relatives. Ukerewe Island is a key example of this, displayed in the film home to a large community of people with albinism where 62 albinos reside, most likely to remain in solitude and away from albino hunters.[17]
The UN report submitted as part of the Human Rights Council resolution 23/13 of the 13th June 2013 states that they are often regarded as “ghosts and not human beings who can be wiped off the global map.”[18] They are often persecuted as devils or people who are a bad omen or suffer from a curse and in some communities “believed that contact with them will bring bad luck, SICKNESS or death.”[19] Therefore this is discrimination and mental and emotional persecution alone, where severe bullying for children, exclusion and abandonment occurs even without the brutal physical persecution being mentioned.
or death.”[19] Therefore this is discrimination and mental and emotional persecution alone, where severe bullying for children, exclusion and abandonment occurs even without the brutal physical persecution being mentioned.
However the issues which have created a spotlight for the Human Rights Council of the United Nations is the murder for medicine and dismemberment, attacks and murder of persons with albinism. Some other possible myths which impose a risk on people with albinism is a myth which “sexual intercourse with a WOMAN or a girl with albinism can cure HIV/AIDS."[19] Sacrifice of albino’s is believed also to “appease the god of the mountain”[19] when fear of a volcano eruption is possible and it is believed that pulling the HAIR of albino’s can bring good luck. It has also been reported that “miners use the bones of persons with albinism as amulets or bury them where they are drilling for gold.[19] The attacks which occur usually result in the death or severe mutilation of the albino which according to the Human rights council can in “some cases involve TRADE in organs, trafficking in persons and sale of children, infanticide and abandonment of children.”[20]
or a girl with albinism can cure HIV/AIDS."[19] Sacrifice of albino’s is believed also to “appease the god of the mountain”[19] when fear of a volcano eruption is possible and it is believed that pulling the HAIR of albino’s can bring good luck. It has also been reported that “miners use the bones of persons with albinism as amulets or bury them where they are drilling for gold.[19] The attacks which occur usually result in the death or severe mutilation of the albino which according to the Human rights council can in “some cases involve TRADE in organs, trafficking in persons and sale of children, infanticide and abandonment of children.”[20]Action against persecution
With escalating killings, President Kikwete publicly and repeatedly condemned witch doctors, their helpers and middlemen, and the clients, which include members of the police force, for these murders. Victims include children snatched or abducted from their parents. The killers and their accomplices use hair, arms, legs, SKIN, eyes, genitals, and blood in rituals or for witch potions.[2]
, eyes, genitals, and blood in rituals or for witch potions.[2]
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has published a preliminary report regarding discrimination which has been directed toward people with albinism (PWA).[19] This report has been submitted as part of the Human Rights Council resolution 23/13 of the 13th June 2013. It reinforced that “states would adopt specific measures to protect and preserve the rights to life and security of persons with albinism, as well as their right not to be subject to torture and ill treatment, and ensure their access to adequate HEALTH care, employment, education and justice.”[21] The discrimination of albino’s is often demonstrated by family members and relatives especially at birth, and ill-treatment by general society is widespread where there are severe issues of social exclusion and stigma. The Resolution 23/13 explains the Human Rights council’s concerns about “attacks against persons with albinism”[22] Therefore the Council encouraged the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to submit a report. Navi Pillay is the current United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. As the representative, on the 11th of March 2014 she submitted a message which overviewed the current status of discrimination against persons with albinism and possible pathways for change and development in protection of albino’s. "People with albinism have the right to live without fear or bullying, discrimination, social exclusion, killing and dismemberment."[23] This footage was published on 13 March 2014 to overview the current situation surrounding albino’s who live in fear of being murdered or captured for the purposes of murder medicine and witch doctors views around the magical potential of albino HAIR and limbs.
care, employment, education and justice.”[21] The discrimination of albino’s is often demonstrated by family members and relatives especially at birth, and ill-treatment by general society is widespread where there are severe issues of social exclusion and stigma. The Resolution 23/13 explains the Human Rights council’s concerns about “attacks against persons with albinism”[22] Therefore the Council encouraged the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to submit a report. Navi Pillay is the current United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. As the representative, on the 11th of March 2014 she submitted a message which overviewed the current status of discrimination against persons with albinism and possible pathways for change and development in protection of albino’s. "People with albinism have the right to live without fear or bullying, discrimination, social exclusion, killing and dismemberment."[23] This footage was published on 13 March 2014 to overview the current situation surrounding albino’s who live in fear of being murdered or captured for the purposes of murder medicine and witch doctors views around the magical potential of albino HAIR and limbs.
Also a key issue is the influence of educating the public to encourage the removal of the social stigma associated with albinos in a society which does not completely understand that albinism is not a curse or a spiritual ghost, but simply a SKIN condition. In Zimbabwe albinos have been given the name “sope” which indicated that they are possessed by evil spirits and in Tanzania they are known as “nguruwe” meaning pig or “zeru” which means ghost.[2] The Report discusses the “most serious human rights violations FACED by persons with albinism, primarily focusing on the ritual killings and attacks to which they are subjected.”[24] It also includes recommendations to the international community and member states action towards persons with albinism.
condition. In Zimbabwe albinos have been given the name “sope” which indicated that they are possessed by evil spirits and in Tanzania they are known as “nguruwe” meaning pig or “zeru” which means ghost.[2] The Report discusses the “most serious human rights violations FACED by persons with albinism, primarily focusing on the ritual killings and attacks to which they are subjected.”[24] It also includes recommendations to the international community and member states action towards persons with albinism.
Under the Same Sun led my albinism activist Peter Ash is organisation aiming to protect albino’s from persecution and he delivered an oral intervention to the Human Rights Council in its 23rd session on the 7th June 2013 on behalf of the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders project (EHAHRDP). His submission stated:
“Today I wish to address a little known but very serious human rights violation being perpetrated against people with albinism in many African nations. My NGO, Under the Same Sun, has evidence of the witchcraft related attacks and killings of 207 people with albinism in 16 African nations. The majority of the victims are children. From Tanzania and Burundi in the East, to Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire in the West and South Africa and Swaziland in the South, people born with this genetic condition live in fear every day. There exists a lucrative black market in albino body parts used to make what is promoted as powerful ‘muti’ medicine. The hand, arm or any albino organ is combined with other ingredients and then sold for thousands of dollars: $3,000 for a hand or over $100,000 for an entire set of organs. Sometimes body parts are even shipped across borders. We seek a day when people with albinism will take their rightful place in all levels of African society and such days of discrimination will be a faint memory. To this end, we call on this Council to pass a resolution condemning acts of violence and discrimination against persons with albinism and to request the OHCHR or the Advisory Committee to carry out a study on such violations. As Edmund Burke so rightly stated, "all that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing."[25]
Future plans
International federation Secretary General Bekele Geleta states that “Albinism is one of the most unfortunate vulnerabilities… and needs to be addressed immediately at international level.”[26] This is a cry for international exposure and help to ensure that people suffering from albinism can be protected from inhumane killings and to be sheltered from the merciless hunters of albino body parts for their potions and spiritual medicine. “The main issues that should be addressed include SKIN cancer prevention education, stigma and discrimination denouncement, and swift prosecution of albino hunters and their sponsors.”[5] Therefore it is clear that albino’s are facing many issues in their lives, and must be protected on the basis of human rights even if they look different and unlike any other race on earth. It is “imperative to inform the medical community and the general national and international public about the tragedies faced by albinos to protect them from SKIN cancer and ritualistic murders by individuals seeking wealth through clandestine markets perpetuating witchcraft."[27]
cancer prevention education, stigma and discrimination denouncement, and swift prosecution of albino hunters and their sponsors.”[5] Therefore it is clear that albino’s are facing many issues in their lives, and must be protected on the basis of human rights even if they look different and unlike any other race on earth. It is “imperative to inform the medical community and the general national and international public about the tragedies faced by albinos to protect them from SKIN cancer and ritualistic murders by individuals seeking wealth through clandestine markets perpetuating witchcraft."[27]
A number of steps were taken by the government to protect the albino population. The president ordered a crackdown on witchdoctors in the spring of 2008.[28] In addition, an albino WOMAN, Al-Shymaa Kway-Geer, was named to BECOME A MEMBER of the parliament, the first albino in such a position in the history of Tanzania. Police have also been advised to generate lists of albinos and provide special protection for them.[29]
, Al-Shymaa Kway-Geer, was named to BECOME A MEMBER of the parliament, the first albino in such a position in the history of Tanzania. Police have also been advised to generate lists of albinos and provide special protection for them.[29]
To foil graverobbers, graves of the albinistic were to be sealed with concrete.[30] However, by October 2008, killings had not abated, and while some suspects had been apprehended, no convictions had taken place.[31] It was estimated that over 50 murders had taken place since March 2007, many of them in the mining and fishing communities near Lake Victoria, especially at Mwanza, Shinyanga and Mara.[32]
In January 2009, "Prime Minister Pinda had declared war on the albino hunters, and in an effort to stop the TRADE in albino body parts he had revoked the licenses of all the country's witch doctors who use the body parts in their black magic fetishes."[33]
in albino body parts he had revoked the licenses of all the country's witch doctors who use the body parts in their black magic fetishes."[33]Convictions against albino hunters
The first ever conviction for the killing of an albino in Tanzania occurred on 23 September 2009 at the High Court in Kahama.[34][35][36][37] This is a “landmark verdict” was due to the fact that there have been more than 50 murders known at this time and this was the first actual conviction.[38] The conviction came about following the murder and mutilation of a 14-year-old boy, Matatizo Dunia, who was attacked by three men in Bukombe district in Shinyanga Region in December 2008.[36][37][39][40] The men carried Dunia from his home late at night before chopping him into pieces.[10]
One of them was later found with Dunia's leg in his possession.[10] The rest of Dunia's body parts were located CONCEALED in shrubbery.[10] The men confessed a desire to sell Dunia's parts to a witch doctor, yet despite this, their legal team had not anticipated thedeath sentence of hanging which the three men would receive.[10][39]
in shrubbery.[10] The men confessed a desire to sell Dunia's parts to a witch doctor, yet despite this, their legal team had not anticipated thedeath sentence of hanging which the three men would receive.[10][39]
Canada's Under The Same Sun albino activist organisation praised the breakthrough but its founder Peter Ash remarked: "This is one conviction. There are 52 other families still awaiting justice".[41] The Tanzania Albino Society's chairman Ernest Kimaya called for the hanging to be made public to further demonstrate to others that the issue of killing albinos was to be taken seriously.[34][35][42]
This issue with witchcraft and its power and influence is that a witch doctor has, as he is almost always “revered by society as ultimate truth.”[43] Most tribes in ancient times would have committed infanticide upon an albino child seeing it as a bad omen, practiced by the Sukuma tribe, Digo people[44] and Masaai people[45][46] However in some tribes the albinos were made the sacrifices of offerings to the gods or for such uses as potions which is what they are still hunted for today in the 21st century. “One of the most dangerous myths and the crux of recent attacks against PWA is that their body parts can be made into potions that give good luck and wealth to its users.”[47]
In 2006 some of the first publicly reported killings were spoken about in the media, such as 34 YEAR OLD albino woman “Arithi” who was murdered with her arms and legs hacked off and sold. Some cases which have been key in recent years firstly occurred in 2008 when a Tanzanian man tried to sell his albino wife for a price of $3000 to Congolese businessmen.[9] Although the businessmen MANAGED to escape their arrest, Interpol has been assigned to attempt to track these men. this is what led to President Jakaya Kikewere ordering a tightening of police and protection from prosecution, however due to corruption there is still proof that even policeman are being bribed and “bought off” to turn a blind eye to certain crimes if they are receiving pecuniary gain. Although according to BBC News one hundred and seventy witch doctors have been arrested for involvement in inhumane interactions and intentions with albinos.[9]
albino woman “Arithi” who was murdered with her arms and legs hacked off and sold. Some cases which have been key in recent years firstly occurred in 2008 when a Tanzanian man tried to sell his albino wife for a price of $3000 to Congolese businessmen.[9] Although the businessmen MANAGED to escape their arrest, Interpol has been assigned to attempt to track these men. this is what led to President Jakaya Kikewere ordering a tightening of police and protection from prosecution, however due to corruption there is still proof that even policeman are being bribed and “bought off” to turn a blind eye to certain crimes if they are receiving pecuniary gain. Although according to BBC News one hundred and seventy witch doctors have been arrested for involvement in inhumane interactions and intentions with albinos.[9]
Another example which occurred where two mothers who were attacked by gangs with machetes in order to get to their albino children. The men broke into a refugee house known as the Lugufu Camp in Kigoma in search of the children; although the children remained untouched the WOMEN received severe injuries.[38] A further case uncovered by US congressman Gerry colony was the November 2008 in Ruyigi, Burundi where the case of a 6-year old albino girl who was shot dead and her head and limbs where hacked off, leaving only her dismembered torso.[48]
received severe injuries.[38] A further case uncovered by US congressman Gerry colony was the November 2008 in Ruyigi, Burundi where the case of a 6-year old albino girl who was shot dead and her head and limbs where hacked off, leaving only her dismembered torso.[48]Organisations to prevent persecution
Many organisations have been set up to help protect and provide for albino communities. Films have also been produced to encourage, educate and create an international understanding of the trials which albino’s are FACING in a modern world still dealing with ancient rituals and practices which encourage murder for medicine. This is against all international human rights legislation and therefore it is important that albino’s are collectively protected. Organisations such as National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH),[49] Tanzania Albino Centre (TAC)[50] based in Arusha, Tanzania; aiming to “improve the lives of albinos with educational and medical assistance so that they may live safe, accepted, and prosperous lives in the society of their choice.” [2] Other groups include Assisting Children in Need(ACN)[51] Under the Same Sun [52] where Ash, an albino homself states his aspirations and purpose for the project: “I have a dream that one day in Africa, people with albinism will take their rightful place throughout every level of society, and that the days of discrimination against persons with albinism will be a faint memory!”[52]
in a modern world still dealing with ancient rituals and practices which encourage murder for medicine. This is against all international human rights legislation and therefore it is important that albino’s are collectively protected. Organisations such as National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH),[49] Tanzania Albino Centre (TAC)[50] based in Arusha, Tanzania; aiming to “improve the lives of albinos with educational and medical assistance so that they may live safe, accepted, and prosperous lives in the society of their choice.” [2] Other groups include Assisting Children in Need(ACN)[51] Under the Same Sun [52] where Ash, an albino homself states his aspirations and purpose for the project: “I have a dream that one day in Africa, people with albinism will take their rightful place throughout every level of society, and that the days of discrimination against persons with albinism will be a faint memory!”[52]
The International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) is a key part of the albino protection movement who are working to integrate albinos back into society safely in Burundi “striving to minimize their vulnerability to hunters, SKIN cancer, and educational and social marginalization.”[53] The IFRC particularly works with protecting mothers and children who are fearing persecution and they assist them in providing safe homes and protection where children are frightened of attacker’s and by providing a special arena for the albino’s it ensures safety protection and an environment of love, understanding of one another all with albinism, and unity in the battle against persecution and discrimination. The Red Cross have made it very clear in their publications that the government must also take drastic steps in protection of persons with albinism to stop the persecution. They have stated that it is imperative that the government strives to “Ensure effective legal protection for people with albinism, use local administrative structures to locate and protect albino people in hiding and conduct public anti-discrimination campaigns and extend medical services to albinos in need.”[8]
cancer, and educational and social marginalization.”[53] The IFRC particularly works with protecting mothers and children who are fearing persecution and they assist them in providing safe homes and protection where children are frightened of attacker’s and by providing a special arena for the albino’s it ensures safety protection and an environment of love, understanding of one another all with albinism, and unity in the battle against persecution and discrimination. The Red Cross have made it very clear in their publications that the government must also take drastic steps in protection of persons with albinism to stop the persecution. They have stated that it is imperative that the government strives to “Ensure effective legal protection for people with albinism, use local administrative structures to locate and protect albino people in hiding and conduct public anti-discrimination campaigns and extend medical services to albinos in need.”[8]
Asante Mariamu is another organisation which was created after the survival of “Mariamu Staford” from an albino attack which is determined to ensure that there is “swift prosecution and convictions of their killers” and therefore encouraging justice.[53] This story was presented to the US House of Representatives in March 2010 where US Congressman Gerry Connolly was impacted by this horrific story and “moved me to take action.”[54] He introduced a bill to take action to severe violence being performed against albinos in east Africa and to bring justice and punishment to perpetrators. He spoke to the house in March 2010 urging his colleagues "to join me and Mariamu Stanford in bringing international attention to this horrific abuse of human rights.”[54] This legislation condemns any injury, murder or mutilation of albinos and specifically urges the local EAT African government especially in Tanzania and Burundi to “to take immediate action to prevent further violence against persons with albinism.”[54] There are many more which are working on protecting albino’s from persecution, and providing adequate HEALTH care, sun protection and learning facilities to ensure that albino’s are treated fairly and with all human rights, and not hunted as animals in fear of their life. Albino Awareness day has also been created by Dr Aisha Sethi who is an assistant professor of DERMATOLOGY in the Pritzker School of Medicine which is celebrated on 4th may each year. The President has also appointed Al-Shymaa Kway-Geer as an albino MP who seeks to be a voice in the Tanzanian parliament for protection against persecution of albino’s in society and encourages facilities and support of their physical, medical, AND education protection and enhancement.
African government especially in Tanzania and Burundi to “to take immediate action to prevent further violence against persons with albinism.”[54] There are many more which are working on protecting albino’s from persecution, and providing adequate HEALTH care, sun protection and learning facilities to ensure that albino’s are treated fairly and with all human rights, and not hunted as animals in fear of their life. Albino Awareness day has also been created by Dr Aisha Sethi who is an assistant professor of DERMATOLOGY in the Pritzker School of Medicine which is celebrated on 4th may each year. The President has also appointed Al-Shymaa Kway-Geer as an albino MP who seeks to be a voice in the Tanzanian parliament for protection against persecution of albino’s in society and encourages facilities and support of their physical, medical, AND education protection and enhancement.Under the Same Sun (UTSS)
Under the same sun is a Canadian organisation with support focussed on Tanzania and located in Dar es Salam, founded in 2008 by Peter Ash with a vision to “promote via advocacy and education, the wellbeing of persons who are often marginalised or misunderstood. We are driven by the belied that all persons have intrinsic value and since they are created in the image of God.” [55] Therefore they are acting upon the moral and human rights values to support victims to end the discrimination and persecution of innocent albinos. According to Under the same sun, To eradicate attacks against Albino’s, “it is necessary to focus on eliminating reliance on witchcraft beliefs by strengthening the provision of infrastructure such as schools and hospitals while enhancing the sense of fairness by improving on the system of justice.”[56]Therefore regaining albinos their rights to being treated as human, fairly as functioning members of society who may look different and suffer severe vulnerabilities die to their physical condition, but do not deserve to be murdered or hurt in any way because of ancient myths claiming sacrifice of these people will create future benefit for another person.
In 2014 Under the Same Sun has issued its vision and goals in the Watu Kama Sisi: Reducing SKIN Cancer, Stigma and violence against albinos in the Mara Region.[57] Regarding persecution and health awareness for albinos the purpose of the current project is to dispel and myths associated with albinism and the potential for persecution by facilitating workshops in the villages targeting nine key villages in the Mara village where albinos are most prominent: Bukumi, Bugoji, Bwai Kwitururu, Chimati, Chitare, Chumwi, Kataryo, Kiriba and Wanyere. Here the aims of UTSS sensitize communities to albinism to reduce stigma, discrimination and violence through the form of Educating communities about the facts and myths surrounding albinism, and therefore subsequently increasing community understanding, acceptance and respect toward albinism and the people who are suffering from persecution due to their condition. UTSS also works on an educational level to provide ways children with albinism with low vision can improve learning abilities and overall aiming to de-stigmatize albinism and facilitate social inclusion and safety of albinos in their families and local community.[58]
Cancer, Stigma and violence against albinos in the Mara Region.[57] Regarding persecution and health awareness for albinos the purpose of the current project is to dispel and myths associated with albinism and the potential for persecution by facilitating workshops in the villages targeting nine key villages in the Mara village where albinos are most prominent: Bukumi, Bugoji, Bwai Kwitururu, Chimati, Chitare, Chumwi, Kataryo, Kiriba and Wanyere. Here the aims of UTSS sensitize communities to albinism to reduce stigma, discrimination and violence through the form of Educating communities about the facts and myths surrounding albinism, and therefore subsequently increasing community understanding, acceptance and respect toward albinism and the people who are suffering from persecution due to their condition. UTSS also works on an educational level to provide ways children with albinism with low vision can improve learning abilities and overall aiming to de-stigmatize albinism and facilitate social inclusion and safety of albinos in their families and local community.[58]Films highlighting persecution of albinism
Films which have been created are also helping to raise awareness and tell the stories of the albino crisis of persecution such as “In the shadow of the sun” directed by Harry Freeland [17] featuring the story of Josephat Torner, an albino campaigner who has a truly touching story and has dedicated his life to SPREADING the word to de-mystify the superstitious myths around albinos and use for witchcraft. Another film which creates awareness around albino persecution is In my genes[59] directed by Lupita Nyong’o[60] key actor from 2013 film Twelve years a slave.
the word to de-mystify the superstitious myths around albinos and use for witchcraft. Another film which creates awareness around albino persecution is In my genes[59] directed by Lupita Nyong’o[60] key actor from 2013 film Twelve years a slave.Other African states
By June 2008 killings had been reported in neighboring Kenya and possibly also the Democratic Republic of Congo.[31][61]
In October 2008 AFP reported on the further expansion of killings of albinos to the Ruyigi region of Burundi. Body parts of the victims are then smuggled to Tanzania where they are used for witch doctor rituals and potions.[62] Albinos have become "a commercial good", commented Nicodeme Gahimbare in Ruyigi, who established a local safe haven in his fortified house.[62]
By 2010 cases had also been reported from Swaziland.[63]
International reaction
After events involving murders of albino humans by three Tanzanian men had been publicised by the BBC and others, the European Parliament strongly condemned the killing of albinos in Tanzania on 4 September 2008.[64] The U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Resolution 1088, introduced by Rep Gerry Connolly (D, VA), by a vote of 418-1 on February 22, 2010.[65] The resolution condemns the attacks and killings; categorizes them as human rights violations, and urges the governments of Tanzania and Burundi to vigorously prosecute such cases and to conduct educational campaigns to combat the superstitious beliefs that underlie the violent attacks.
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