Abstract
Human rights violations of persons with albinism in Tanzania: The case of children in temporary holding shelters
Highlights
SummaryAlbinism is a genetic condition that occurs in people of all races and in all parts of the world
Albinism is a condition that occurs due to the ‘absence of pigmentation in the epidermis that normally gives colour to the skin, the hair and the irises of the eye’.1 As a result, it ‘may be accompanied by vision and eye problems and may lead to skin cancer’.2 albinism occurs in people of all races and in almost all parts of the world, it is more prevalent in certain regions than in others
It is our view that the Tanzanian government should take cognisance of the legal framework it has adopted as its basic obligation to work towards the elimination of all forms of violence against children, and children with albinism who reside in temporary holding shelters
Summary
Albinism is a genetic condition that occurs in people of all races and in all parts of the world. In Tanzania, and in many other places where it occurs, children living with albinism constantly are subjected to discrimination, stigmatisation, persecution and ridicule. The most disturbing phenomenon is the mindless killing of these children. The threat of being murdered forces some of these children to flee from their homes and communities. In an attempt to address the situation and to protect these children, the Tanzanian government has established temporary holding shelters. This article explores the challenges faced by children at these temporary holding shelters and the extent to which their rights are violated. It is evident that the Tanzanian government’s commitment to protect all children, as required by the Law of the Child Act, is lacking in implementation and effectiveness.
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