the total number of attacks and killings of persons reported at the police stations
in Tanzania stands 62. Specifically, the number of incidents where children with
albinism were victims since 2006 is reportedly 37. Out of the 37 incidents 17
were against boys while 21 were against girls. Looking at the numbers from the
Government records, the delegation notes that since 2006, 6 children with albinism
were wounded, 24 were killed, 4 were victims of attempted murder and 3 were
kidnapped.
However, organizations working on children’s rights in Tanzania indicated
that the number of on-going attacks is higher than those reported, but that datagathering is difficult due to the secretive nature of witchcraft that serves as the
context of most ritual attacks against children with albinism. For instance Under
the Same Sun reports that up until August 2012, there have been 71 documented
killings of persons with albinism, and that over half of these victims were children.
These attacks constitute a violation of the right to life, survival and development of
the child which is protected under Article 5 of the African Children’s Charter, which
prescribes the State Parties’ responsibility to ensure the survival, protection and
development of the child. The maimings violate Article 16 of the Charter, which
provides for the protection of children against abuse and torture.
The right to highest attainable standard of health (article 14
of the Charter):
The Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the
highest attainable standard of physical and mental health noted that “people living
with albinism often do not receive the necessary special attention, health care
or treatment that corresponds to their health needs”. The delegation also learns
that children with albinism, as witnessed at the Buhangija Center, are suffering
from various forms of health- related challenges. For instance, many cannot afford
simple remedies, such as sunscreen, that would protect them from the elevated risk
of developing skin cancer. A medical screening camp in Mwanza carried out by the
Tanzania Albinism Society found out that 80% of the children had sun burns and
signs of pre-cancer. The delegation also witnessed that most of the children with
albinism in Buhangija Center have visual impairments, fungus, severe wounds on
their skin and suffer from complicated health problems accompanied by high fever.
It was also indicated that malaria is a major challenge.
Though the care-givers and teachers in the Centre are trained to provide
8