Abstract
It cannot be denied that myths and superstitions have endured through history and that people have been affected by them since the beginning of time. Superstitious beliefs and myths that result in the victimization of persons with albinism (PWA) are centuries old, are present in cultural attitudes and practised around the world. In Africa and in Tanzania in particular, PWAs have also been targeted because of harmful speculation and unfounded myths which place their lives at risk. As members of society PWA have human rights that need to be protected against any kind of violation, particularly against being killed, tortured and discriminated against. This article analyses various legal provisions that protect the rights of PWA as articulated in various UN covenants and conventions as well as regional treaties and national laws.
 Secondary data are consulted to examine the extent of the erroneous beliefs which heavily fuel the persecution and killing of PWA. It is found that there are deep-seated myths, superstitions and harmful cultural beliefs the existence of which seems to pose a serious obstacle to the implementation of the law and the protection of the rights of PWA in Tanzania. The article recommends awareness-raising and education in general for Tanzanian society as an approach towards the protection of PWA.
Highlights
Superstitions and myths have endured through the course of history and have evolved from time to time
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) provides for the protection of civil and political rights, and this paper finds that articles 6 and 7 of the ICCPR are relevant to the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, including persons with albinism (PWA)
Under the Same Sun (UTSS) provides epidemiological data on albinism based on a public survey in African countries that was published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2006
Summary
Date Revised 28 July 2029 Date Accepted 28 July 2020 Date published 28 Augustus 2020 Editors F Dube & AA Agbor How to cite this article.
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