Persons with Albinism in Tanzania:
Albinism is a genetically inherited disorder which results in a lack of pigmentation in the hair, skin and eyes of those affected. In almost all cases a significant visual impairment is also involved, with most persons with albinism being legally blind.
More information on albinism can be obtained HERE
Albinism is a rare genetic condition occurring in both genders regardless of ethnicity. In North America and Europe it is estimated that 1 in 20,000 people have some form of albinism. In Tanzania however, it is 5 times as common with 1 in 4,000 people being affected.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the spate of albino killings in Tanzania and called for concerted efforts to end the brutality.
Addressing a press conference in Dar es Salaam on Friday night, Mr Ban said he had raised the issue with President Jakaya Kikwete on his arrival in Tanzania on Thursday, for his two-day official visit.
"I have received complaints about this gross violation of human rights. It is a very serious issue and I am very sad to learn that this is happening," the UN boss told reporters.
Mr Ban was responding to questions during a media briefing at the Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski in downtown Dar es Salaam, as he wound up his trip.
The top UN diplomat left the country yesterday morning to continue his current African visit, with calls in Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Earlier, he had visited South Africa.
Asked whether the UN could consider intervening to stop the albino killings that have claimed more than 45 lives since 2007, Mr Ban said he had been assured that the Tanzanian Government was doing all it could to stamp out the practice.
?Unfortunately, the killings are based on superstitious beliefs. There is no scientific proof in this menace,? the UN boss said.
Those hunting down albinos to harvest their body parts are driven by the belief that concoctions made from them attract riches overnight in the mines, fishing and other businesses, especially in the Lake Region.
But Mr Ban said the killings must be stopped all at all costs.
"I am pleased that President Kikwete has promised to seriously address this challenge. I met an MP, who is an albino, and who also spoke about the urgent need to end the vice," he said.
He was referring to Nominated MP Al-Shymaa Kwegir, who was picked by President Kikwete at the height of the killings in mid last year, in an effort to raise awareness about the vice and to help demystify the myths about albinos. The MP has been holding public rallies and other meetings to sensitise the public on the albinos' plight.
At the press conference attended by Foreign Affairs minister Bernard Membe, there was some commotion when a foreign journalist handed over to the UN boss a petition from albinos.
The journalist, who said he works for the 'Great Lakes Region News', removed a sheaf of papers, including pictures and articles on the killings from his pockets, and handed them over.
"?finally from the albinos of Tanzania, I hand over their petition and cry to the Secretary General," he said, as he approached the high table before security personnel intercepted him.
The security personnel took the papers and handed them to Mr Membe, who looked baffled.
Since the killings started, the Government has taken some measures to contain the vice. It has banned the operations of witchdoctors, some of who have been accused of misleading their clients about the alleged mystical value of the albino organs.
The Government has also directed regional security committees to protect those targeted. At a same time, a secret ballot system has been devised to enable the public to identify those suspected of dealing in human body parts without exposing themselves and risking attacks.
By Sunday Citizen Reporter
The police have also given mobile phones to albinos to quickly pass on information to investigators, and call the call the authorities during attacks for quick response by police.
The International Police (Interpol) have also been involved in a bid to extend the manhunt to other countries in the region, where suspected human traffickers are said to be operating.
Seven albinos been killed in Tanzania and their body parts reportedly taken to Burundi.
Interpol investigators are tracking down members of syndicates said to engage in such discreet illicit dealings. The information they collect will be shared with the police across borders in an effort to eliminate the illicit trade.
The albino killings have eroded Tanzania's image as a sanctuary for the oppressed in the international community, a reputation earned during the liberation struggle in southern Africa.
Renowned campaigners against the targeting of albinos, include Canadian businessman Peter Ash, who also suffers form the skin condition. He recently visited Tanzania and attended rallies organised to protest against the killings.
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