The Impact of Myths, Superstition and Harmful Cultural Beliefs against Albinism in Tanzania: A Human Rights Perspective
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Constitutional State
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.
Description
Full Text Article. Also available at: http://www.scielo.org.za/pdf/pelj/v23n1/41.pdf
Keywords
Myths, Superstition, Harmful cultural beliefs, Albinism, Human rights, Tanzania
Citation
Kajiru, I., & Nyimbi, I. (2020). The Impact of Myths, Superstition and Harmful Cultural Beliefs against Albinism in Tanzania: A Human Rights Perspective. PER: Potchefstroomse Elektroniese Regsblad, 23(1), 1-27.