Tanzania rights groups fight for endorsement of albinism protection action plan

5-year-old Baraka Cosmas Lusambo from Tanzania looks out the window in the Staten Island borough of New York, September 21, 2015. Albino body parts are highly valued in witchcraft and can fetch a high price. Superstition leads many to believe albino children are ghosts who bring bad luck. Some believe the limbs are more potent if the victims scream during amputation, according to a 2013 United Nations report. Albinism is a congenital disorder affecting about one in 20,000 people worldwide who lack pigment in their skin, hair and eyes. It is more common in sub-Saharan Africa and affects about one Tanzanian in 1,400. United Nations officials estimate about 75 albinos have been killed in the east African nation since 2000 and have voiced fears of rising attacks ahead of this year's election, as politicians seek good luck charms from witch doctors. Picture taken September 21, 2015. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

Source: X02452

Rights groups in Tanzania have called for government’s endorsement of the National Action Plan (NAP) to improve and protect persons living with albinism in the country.

They made the calls during a joint press conference on September 13.

The African Albinism Network (AAN) noted among other things, the failure of Tanzania to approve its action plan that will aid against discrimination against persons living with albinism.

Executive Director of AAN, Ikponwosa Ero, while highlighting challenges faced by the estimated 75,000 persons living with albinism in Tanzania urged the government to take immediate action.

According to her, only seven African countries including Kenya, Malawi and Angola have already endorsed their action plan, providing better living conditions for persons living with albinism in their respective countries.

Peter Ash, CEO of Under the Same Sun (UTSS), also stressed the importance of government efforts to reduce the stigma around albinism and to provide better health and educational support.

“Also we call for increased government efforts to destigmatise albinism and the adoption of a national action plan to address protection and discrimination issues,” he was quoted by The Citizen.

Meanwhile, rights groups including the Centre for Human Rights of the University of Pretoria, the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa and the Legal and Human Rights Centre have taken legal action at the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, accusing Tanzania of failing to adequately protect people with albinism from violence, discrimination, and killings.

The case has involved testimonies from victims and discussions of government shortcomings in protecting their rights.

Tanzanian state attorney Daniel Nyakiha defended the government, stating that it has prioritised the welfare of persons with albinism and prosecuted individuals involved in attacks.

Despite government’s defence, rights groups argue that ongoing incidents show more needs to be done to protect this vulnerable group.

Wonder Hagan