In Tanzania, the body parts of albinos are believed to possess magical properties. BBC journalist, Vicky Ntetema, has filmed (see video here) a witchdoctor in Tanzania discussing anatomy for potions. There are anywhere between 4000 to 173,000 albinos living in Tanzania.
So far this year, a known 25 have been killed for witchcraft, most in and around the Lake Victoria area. Fishermen weave hair from albinos into their nets. Albino blood poured into a mine shaft will increase the spoils.
Albinos already suffer from discrimination and are treated as outcasts. Most die of skin cancer before the age of 30. In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's capital, police are escorting albino children to schools.
Last month, the New York Times ran a profile of Samuel Mluge, an albino living Dar es Salaam. "I feel like I am being hunted," he said.
People are turning to the Tanzanian Albino Society for help. But with only $15,000 budget, the aid organization is unable to tackle the problem. The government appointed an albino to parliament to help change perceptions.
"This is serious because it continues some of the perceptions of Africa we're trying to run away from," Salvator Rweyemamu, a Tanzanian government spokesman, told the New York Times in April.
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Hallow Everyone,
I am a practicing attorney with Albinism, working for gain in Tanzania, East Africa.
I have attached to this Email, a human rights petition which was filed in the High Court of Tanzania against the Attorney General, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Home Affairs. The petition is on the protection on the right to life, the right to dignity, and protection against discrimination of persons with Albinism living in Tanzania. Please read the petition so that you get to know the content.
The case will be called before the panel of three Judges on the 25th of May 2009. However, there are some developments which I would like all interested persons to be informed of:
Originally, the Petitioners were (1) Legal and Human Rights Centre,[2] (2) Chairperson, Tanzania Federation of Disabled Persons Organization; and (3) Chairperson, Tanzania Albino Society.
On the day before the filing of the petition, we decided to remove the Chairperson, Tanzania Federation of Disabled Persons Organizations because of some “technical” problems. Five days after the filing of the petition, the Chairperson, Tanzania Albino Society, called a press conference, and stated that he was not interested with the petition. He also sent me a text message to that effect (probably he was threatened, but I have not ascertained that. I also suspect that because the Society was working so closely with the government on the issue of Albino killings, there could have developed a fear among some members that the government would withdraw cooperation (just assumptions). We are still working together in certain circumstances though, coz I have not proved any bad motive(s)).
However, because the petition is for public interest, we decided that the case can still continue with one petitioner, that is, the Legal and Human Rights Centre. Other petitioners can as well join.
Therefore, on the 25th of May 2009, we will submit our prayer that the petition be amended so that the Chairperson, Tanzania Albino Society is removed from the petition and we remain with the Legal and Human Rights Centre (or add another organization which will be interested)
Please send the email to as many people as you can.
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