Human rights education and the plight of vulnerable groups with specific reference to people with albinism in Tanzania

Abstract

Although all human beings are vulnerable, some are more vulnerable than others, for example, people with albinism. Similarly, although albinism occurs in all parts of the world, it is more prevalent in some societies than in others. For example, Tanzania, in common with other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, has a high prevalence of albinism. Apart from being subjected to blatant discrimination and abuse, people with albinism suffer atrocious attacks sometimes resulting in death. This paper explores the nature and extent of discrimination and human rights violations of people with albinism in Tanzania in the context of the relevant legal framework available for their protection. Using people with albinism in Tanzania as a proxy, the paper argues that there is a need for human rights education not only to empower vulnerable people to defend and protect their rights but also to sensitize societies to respect and not violate the rights of such people. The paper concludes with several recommendations that apply to people with albinism in Tanzania as much as they would apply to any vulnerable group anywhere else in the world.