Superstition still has a strong hold in Africa. It is a widely held belief that
the body parts of an albino can bring healing to the sick, fertility to the
infertile, and wealth to those who possess a charm made from albinos. According
to Amnesty International, the
macabre trade is also fueled by a belief that bones of people with albinism
contain gold and that sex with a person with albinism can cure HIV.
For years the attacks against these people have been met with social indifference and are seldom followed up by investigation or prosecution. According to the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, international and regional human rights mechanisms have only “sporadically addressed the needs of persons with albinism. Since June 2013, because of the recrudescence of attacks against them these bodies have given more attention to persons with albinism.”
For those interested in exploring more about what is happening to albinos, where can they start?
There are a number of non-profits that are working to make people aware of what is happening and trying to stop it like Under the Same Sun who recently partnered with National Geographic to tell the story of the Perils of the Pale.
For years the attacks against these people have been met with social indifference and are seldom followed up by investigation or prosecution. According to the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, international and regional human rights mechanisms have only “sporadically addressed the needs of persons with albinism. Since June 2013, because of the recrudescence of attacks against them these bodies have given more attention to persons with albinism.”
For those interested in exploring more about what is happening to albinos, where can they start?
There are a number of non-profits that are working to make people aware of what is happening and trying to stop it like Under the Same Sun who recently partnered with National Geographic to tell the story of the Perils of the Pale.
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