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Albinos stand up for their rights

Adam Bemma / Emma Wallis / Neil King / lwOctober 19, 2013

Albinos in Africa have to contend with daily discrimination and often suffer physical attacks. One Tanzanian woman is refusing to see this suffering continue.

https://p.dw.com/p/1A26x

Albinism is a condition characterised by a lack of color pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. In Tanzania, there have been 72 violent Albino deaths in since 2000, according to government records. The leaders of albino groups believe that the actual number of murders may be much higher.

The killing and mutilation of people with albinism is often linked to witchcraft. The body parts of albinos are rumored to hold special properties when used in rituals and potions.

The extent of witchcraft-related mutilation and murder of Tanzanian Albinos is hard to quantify. Of the 72 albino deaths in the last 13 years, only five have been prosecuted.

Earlier this year, the UN called on Tanzania to increase its efforts to crack down on the ‘abhorrent’ practice.

‘Sister Martha,’ a native Tanzanian and an albino herself, has dedicated her life to reducing prejudice and improving the situation for other albinos suffering fear and discrimination.