Laying down the law, in Tanzania

Mwigulu, courageously speaking in front of the African Court last September

[Ken Gray] Readers of my blog will already know that as an Albino myself I have long supported the work of Under the Same Sun, a charity based in British Columbia but working in Tanzania to support Albinos who live at great risk and disadvantage. Previous posts can be viewed here and here.

Amongst their educational work, they provide support and in some situations, safety for Albinos, especially children. Until now, there has been no legal pressure on perpetrators. UTSS has been active in the Tanzanian Courts for over a decade now to rectify this omission. The decision described below is game-changing.

Well done UTSS and all those who have brought this advocacy to the present stage.

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[UTSS Press release] Last week, we celebrated a groundbreaking moment for persons with albinism across Africa. On February 5th, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights ruled against the Government of Tanzania, holding it accountable for serious human rights violations against people with albinism.

This case has been years in the making, and we are proud to have been key supporters from the very beginning – nearly a decade ago. Last year in Arusha, I sat in the courtroom alongside IK (our Director of Advocacy) and Grace (our Programs Manager in Tanzania) as we watched history unfold.

Mwigulu, one of our students, bravely took the stand as a witness, sharing his personal story of being attacked. On behalf of UTSS, IK also contributed directly to the case as Amicus Curiae, making submissions to strengthen the case.

The Court’s ruling is clear: Tanzania has violated the fundamental rights of persons with albinism, including:

•             The right to equality and non-discrimination

•             The right to life

•             The right to dignity and freedom from torture

•             The right to education

•             The right to health

•             Protection from abduction, sale, and trafficking

And now, real change must follow. The Court has ordered Tanzania to:

•             Create a victims’ compensation fund

•             Strengthen laws against violence and discrimination

•             Implement a National Action Plan and launch awareness campaigns

•             Improve education, healthcare, and child protection services

•             Take action against trafficking, abduction, and the sale of children with albinism

The government now has two years to report on its progress, and if it fails to act within three years, the Court will hold an implementation hearing.  Click here to read the full judgment.

This ruling is a victory and a significant step forward—but it is not the end of our mission. This is a moment for the world to stand with persons with albinism to celebrate this milestone and ensure change is enacted!

Thank you for believing in a future where every person with albinism can live safely, with dignity and equal rights, and for being part of this movement.

With hope and determination,

Peter Ash
Founder + CEO, Under The Same Sun
info@underthesamesun.com  | 604.336.8867

[Ken Gray] Please consider joining me in supporting this important work. I am astounded that such barbarism continues even today. Together we can bring peace and security for all Albinos, everywhere. 100% of any gift made to UTSS goes directly to programs in Tanzania, because a generous benefactor covers all administrative costs. Gifts are tax-deductible in the USA and Canada.

Canadian Charitable #: 851599860 RR0001
US: EIN 68-0680719

Our mailing address is:
Under The Same Sun
#303 – 15127 100 Avenue
Surrey, BC V3R 0N9
Canada