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Verfolgung von Menschen mit Albinismus

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[[File:Social revolution psoter 1 2.jpg|thumb|Awareness poster against the prejudice of albinos in Africa]]
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[[File:Albinisitic man portrait.jpg|right|thumb|A child with [[albinism]]]]
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'''Persecution of people with albinism''' (sometimes abbreviated PWA<ref name="UTSS history" />) is based on the belief that certain body parts of [[Albinism|albinistic]] people can transmit magical powers. Such [[superstition]] is present especially in some parts of the [[African Great Lakes]] region, it has been promulgated and exploited by [[witch doctor]]s and others who use such body parts as ingredients in rituals, concoctions and [[potions]] with the claim that their [[Witchcraft|magic]] will bring prosperity to the user (''[[muti]]'' or [[medicine murder]])<ref>{{cite web |last=Schühle |first=Judith |title=Medicine Murder of People with Albinism in Tanzania – How Casino Capitalism Creates Rumorscapes and Occult Economies (Working Paper No. 2-13) |url=http://www.fu-berlin.de/sites/cas/forschung/publikationen/working-papers/_CAS-Working-2-13_Schuehle.pdf |website=FU-Berlin.de |publisher=Center for Area Studies, Freie Universität Berlin |access-date=6 June 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125200414/http://www.fu-berlin.de/sites/cas/forschung/publikationen/working-papers/_CAS-Working-2-13_Schuehle.pdf |archivedate=25 January 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

As a result, people with albinism have been persecuted, killed and dismembered, and graves of albinos dug up and desecrated. At the same time, people with albinism have also been ostracised and even killed for exactly the opposite reason, because they are presumed to be cursed and bring bad luck. The persecutions of people with albinism take place mostly in [[Sub-Saharan Africa]]n communities, especially among [[East Africa]]ns.<ref name="Cruz-Inigo">{{cite journal |last1=Cruz-Inigo|first1=Andres E. |last2=Ladizinski|first2=Barry |last3=Sethi|first3=Aisha |date=January 2011 |title=Albinism in Africa: Stigma, Slaughter and Awareness Campaigns |work=Dermatologic Clinics |volume=29 |issue=1 |pages=79–87 |doi=10.1016/j.det.2010.08.015 |url= http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/S0733-8635(10)00140-3/fulltext |access-date=18 April 2014}} Also available [http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0733-8635/PIIS0733863510001403.pdf in PDF format].</ref>{{rp|81}}

Albinism is a genetically inherited condition which is very rare and, worldwide, affects approximately one in twenty thousand people<ref>Steiefel, (2014) Hats on for skin health: Albinos in Africa a population at risk {{cite web |url=http://www.stiefel.com/en/community-interest/hatsonforskinhealth.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-05-07 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140507033012/http://www.stiefel.com/en/community-interest/hatsonforskinhealth.html |archivedate=7 May 2014 |df=dmy-all }} Accessed 20 April 2014</ref> Although rare in the western world, albinism is quite common in sub-Saharan Africa, likely as a result of [[consanguinity]].<ref name="Cruz-Inigo" /> Both parents, who may or may not be albinos themselves, must carry the gene if it is to be passed on to the child. Albinism occurs in both males and females and is not specific to any race or ethnic group. Statistics show that fifty percent of albinistic people in [[Tanzania]] have a known albinistic relative,<ref name="Cruz-Inigo" />{{rp|80}} although very few understand or are educated about the medical and genetic causes of this condition. Many believe it is a punishment from God or bad luck, and that their "disease" could be contagious, which is often the view of even members of the medical and professional community. These misconceptions, coupled with the lack of education, are some of the key reasons that albinism is so heavily persecuted. This lack of knowledge about people with albinism means that folktales and superstition in the name of witchcraft take the place of medical and scientific facts in the minds of many native Africans, with and without albinism, which in turn has major effects on the social integration of albinistic people into African society. Ninety-eight percent of albinos die by the age of forty for reasons which could easily be prevented.<ref>{{cite report |last=Morton |first=T. |date=2014 |title=''Watu Kama Sisi'': Reducing Skin Cancer, Stigma and Violence Against Albinos in the Mara Region |publisher=[[Under the Same Sun]] |location=Canada / Tanzania}}</ref>

==Current statistics of persecution of albinistic people==

A report was released on 1 April 2014 by the [[Dar es Salaam]], Tanzania, office of the Canadian charity [[Under the Same Sun]]. Titled ''Reported Attacks of Persons with Albinism'', the document reviews 180 countries and lists 129 recent killings and 181 other attacks, all within 23 African countries. These attacks include mutilation, violence, violation of graves, and cases of asylum-seeking.<ref>{{cite web |date=2014 |title=Reported Attacks of Persons with Albinism – Most Recent Attacks Included. |publisher=[[Under the Same Sun]] |location=Canada / Tanzania |url= http://www.underthesamesun.com/sites/default/files/PWA%20Attacks%20in%20Africa.pdf |access-date=}}</ref>

=== Tanzania ===
In Tanzania, albinos represent one in every 1429 births, a much higher rate than in any other nation. According to [[Al-Shymaa Kway-Geer]], an albino member of parliament, there are 6977 officially registered albinos in Tanzania.<ref name="IFRC">{{cite web |publisher=[[International Federation of Red Cross]] and [[Red Crescent Societies]]. |title=Advocacy Report: Through Albino Eyes – The Plight of Albino People in Africa's Great Lakes Region and a Red Cross Response |date=2009 |work=IFRC.org |url= https://www.ifrc.org/Global/Publications/general/177800-Albinos-Report-EN.pdf |access-date=18 April 2014}}</ref> However, it is believed that there may be up to 17000 undocumented.<ref name="BBC wife">{{cite news |date=2008 |title=Man 'tried to sell' albino wife |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7726743.stm |access-date=24 April 2014 |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> A number of albinos have migrated to the [[Dar es Salaam]] area, as they feel safer in an urban setting. Tanzania is thought to have the largest population of albinos in Africa.<ref name="Malone">{{cite news |first=Andrew |last=Malone |url= http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1215949/The-albino-tribe-butchered-feed-gruesome-trade-magical-body-parts.html |title=The albino tribe butchered to feed a gruesome trade in 'magical' body parts |date=24 September 2009 |access-date=24 September 2009 |work=[[Daily Mail]] |location=London}}</ref> Albinos are especially persecuted in Shinyanga and Mwanza, where witch doctors have promoted a belief in the potential magical and superstitious properties of albinos' body parts. There are further issues which arise when there is lack of education about albinism. Fathers often suspect the mother of the albino child of infidelity with a white man or that the child is the ghost of a European colonist.<ref name="Cruz-Inigo" /> This can cause immense strain on families and relationships. An albino child is often seen as a bad omen and treated as unwanted. Many albino babies become victims of infanticide due to these superstitious views.

=== Malawi ===
After 2015 when Tanzania enacted tougher steps against violence against albinos, Malawi has seen a "steep upsurge in killings" with 18 reported killings since November 2014, and the likely toll being higher because of missing persons and unreported murders.<ref name=cbs>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/malawi-albinos-hunted-and-murdered-for-their-limbs/| author=AP| title=Albino people are being hunted for their body parts |publisher=CBS| date=June 7, 2016 |accessdate=June 7, 2016}}</ref> President [[Peter Mutharika]] has formed a committee to study the situation.<ref name=cbs/>

==Origins of myths and superstition causing persecution of people with albinism==
African rituals and spiritual ideas about albinism have led to the brutal murder of and attacks on innocent men, women and especially children. These ideas have been around for many generations, but in recent years witch doctors have been teaching misconceived ideas about the promise of wealth, success and power when albino hair or limbs are used in a potion as part of witchcraft practices. This has gained public attention nationally and internationally as these crimes have been reported as crimes against human rights. "Infanticide, kidnapping, amputations, and decapitations, committed for purposes of supplying highly valued body parts used for amulets, which are then sold in underground witchcraft market."<ref name="Cruz-Inigo" />{{rp|79}} Therefore, this causes great unrest and angst among the albino population, who must be protected and often live in a state of solitude simply to protect their own lives and to prevent being hunted like animals.<ref name="Cruz-Inigo" />{{rp|80}}

US congressman [[Gerry Connolly]] in 2010 introduced legislation to protect albinos and urge local governments to protect albinos, stating that "With their help and the passage of this resolution today, maybe we can bring an end to these horrific and heinous crimes."<ref>This Day Reporter, (16 March 2010) US Congress passes new law against albinos torture, killings (http://www.thisday.co.tz/?l=10722. Accessed 15 April 2014</ref>

It is clear that "the main driving forces underlying these profiling crimes are ignorance, myth, and superstition, such as the belief that individuals with albinism possess superpowers or that their body parts bestow fortune and health."<ref name="Cruz-Inigo" />{{rp|79}} It is commonly known that in many communities, predominantly in Tanzania and parts of east Africa, superstitious views derived from ancient spiritual beliefs and reinforced by local witch doctors have been carried through centuries of ritualistic practices and mythical beliefs. This creates a serious risk to the lives of persons with albinism as the people believe it will bring them wealth, power, success or health depending on the variances of interpretation. Senior police officers claim that these body parts may be sold for as much as [[United States dollar|US$]]75,000 on the black market<ref name="IFRC" /> for a set of arms, legs, ears, and genitals from an individual with albinism.<ref name="Cruz-Inigo" />{{rp|79}}<ref name="IFRC" /> Therefore, there has been an extensive amount of albino murders in the past decade especially in Burundi and Tanzania, where in 2007 more than seventy documented killings took place and one hundred and fifty body parts of albinos were reported to have been chopped off. Now the number of killings is well over one hundred, with low conviction rates, and albinos continue to have limbs severed, leaving many crippled or severely maimed, traumatized and tortured in the process.<ref name="IFRC" />

This threat to albinos has the potential to cause extreme trauma and stress in their daily lives, which are already impacted by the stress of their condition, affecting skin and eyesight, placing albinos in a constant state of insecurity and distrust. According to Navi Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, because of the social and educational exclusion which can often occur there are often very low education levels in albinos, so that they lack social and economic tools to live productive lives.<ref name="Pillay">Pillay, Navi (13 March 2014) "People with albinism have the right to live without fear or bullying, discrimination, social exclusion, killing and dismemberment". United Nations High Commissioner. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8N_w5C8FWE&feature=youtu.be Accessed 4 October 2014</ref> It also "is a common belief that albinos have low brain capacity and are unable to function at the same level as 'normal people'.<ref>Kuster R,(2000) White skin, black souls. New African, p. 382</ref> Therefore, their ability to learn is often deficient due to the fact that one hundred percent of albinos suffer from some form of visual impairment<ref name="Cruz-Inigo" /> and there often are not sufficient educational facilities, learning supplies or funding to support children with limited sight. This causes extensive bullying, exclusion from peer groups, low self-esteem and confidence, along with emotional and mental illness stemming from rejection by society and often family members who harbor superstitious myths about albinos. It is clearly revealed that no matter what mythical or spiritual mantra a person may be following or believing about albinos there is a general view in "nearly all cultures in the region of east Africa held and some still hold the view that albinos are less desirable beings who are less than human."<ref name="UTSS history">{{cite web |work=Under the Same Sun |date=15 July 2013 |title=History of Attacks Against Persons with Albinism (PWA) |url= http://www.underthesamesun.com/sites/default/files/History%20of%20Attacks%20against%20PWA.pdf |access-date=17 April 2014}}</ref>{{rp|9}} Therefore, homes and schools specifically for albinos, such as Buhangija Albino School, have been created as safe environments for learning, growing and permanently residing. Many children fear to ever return to their families, believing that they may be killed by even their closest relatives. Ukerewe Island is a key example of this, displayed in the film home to a large community of people with albinism where 62 albinos reside, most likely to remain in solitude and away from albino hunters.<ref name="ITSOTS">Freeland, Harry (2014) In the Shadow of the Sun http://intheshadowofthesun.org/long-synopsis Accessed 29 April 2014</ref>

The UN report submitted as part of the Human Rights Council resolution 23/13 of 13 June 2013 states that albinos are often regarded as "ghosts and not human beings, who can be wiped off the global map."<ref name="UNHRC 2013">United Nations General Assembly: Human Rights Council, 24th Session (12 September 2013) Persons with Albinism. Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Accessed 24 April 2014</ref>{{rp|5}} They are often persecuted as devils or people who are a bad omen or suffer from a curse. In some communities it is "believed that contact with them will bring bad luck, sickness or death."<ref name="UNHRC 2013" />{{rp|5}} Therefore, this is discrimination and mental and emotional persecution alone, where severe bullying of children, exclusion and abandonment occurs even without brutal physical persecution.

However, the issues which have created a spotlight for the Human Rights Council of the United Nations are the murder of albinos for medicine and dismemberment, and attacks and murder of persons with albinism. Another myth that imposes a risk on people with albinism is the belief that "sexual intercourse with a woman or a girl with albinism can cure HIV/AIDS."<ref name="UNHRC 2013" />{{rp|5}} Sacrifice of albinos is believed also to "appease the god of the mountain"<ref name="UNHRC 2013" />{{rp|5}} when fear of a volcano eruption is possible, and it is believed that pulling the hair of albinos can bring good luck. It has also been reported that "miners use the bones of persons with albinism as amulets or bury them where they are drilling for gold.<ref name="UNHRC 2013" />{{rp|5}} The attacks which occur usually result in the death or severe mutilation of the albino, which according to the Human rights council can in "some cases involve trade in organs, trafficking in persons and sale of children, infanticide and abandonment of children."<ref name="UNHRC 2013" />{{rp|6}}

==Action against persecution==
With escalating killings, President [[Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete|Kikwete]] publicly and repeatedly condemned [[witch doctor]]s, their helpers and middlemen, and the clients, which include members of the police force, for these murders. Victims include [[child abduction|children snatched or abducted]] from their parents. The killers and their accomplices use hair, arms, legs, skin, eyes, genitals, and blood in rituals or for witch potions.<ref name="Cruz-Inigo" />

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has published a preliminary report regarding discrimination which has been directed toward people with albinism.<ref name="UNHRC 2013" />{{rp|5}} This report has been submitted as part of the Human Rights Council resolution 23/13 of 13 June 2013. It reinforced that "states would adopt specific measures to protect and preserve the rights to life and security of persons with albinism, as well as their right not to be subject to torture and ill treatment, and ensure their access to adequate health care, employment, education and justice."<ref name="UNHRC 2013" />{{rp|1}} The discrimination of albinos is often demonstrated by family members and relatives especially at birth, and ill-treatment by general society is widespread where there are severe issues of social exclusion and stigma. The Resolution 23/13 explains the Human Rights council's concerns about "attacks against persons with albinism".<ref name="UNHRC 2013" />{{rp|3}} Therefore, the Council encouraged the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to submit a report. Navi Pillay is the current United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. As the representative, on 11 March 2014 she submitted a message which overviewed the current status of discrimination against persons with albinism and possible pathways for change and development in protection of albinos. "People with albinism have the right to live without fear or bullying, discrimination, social exclusion, killing and dismemberment."<ref name="Pillay" /> This footage was published on 13 March 2014 to overview the current situation surrounding albinos who live in fear of being murdered or captured for the purposes of murder medicine and witch doctors belief in the magical potential of albino hair and limbs.

Also a key issue is the influence of educating the public to encourage the removal of the social stigma associated with albinos in a society which does not completely understand that albinism is not a curse or a spiritual ghost, but simply a skin condition. In Zimbabwe albinos have been given the name ''sope'' which indicated that they are possessed by evil spirits, and in Tanzania they are known as ''nguruwe'' meaning 'pig', or ''zeru'' which means 'ghost'.<ref name="Cruz-Inigo" /> The Report discusses the "most serious human rights violations faced by persons with albinism, primarily focusing on the ritual killings and attacks to which they are subjected."<ref name="UNHRC 2013" />{{rp|3}} It also includes recommendations to the international community and member states action towards persons with albinism.

Under the Same Sun led by albinism activist Peter Ash is organisation aiming to protect albinos from persecution and he delivered an oral intervention to the Human Rights Council in its 23rd session on 7 June 2013 on behalf of the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders project (EHAHRDP). His submission stated:

"Today I wish to address a little known but very serious human rights violation being perpetrated against people with albinism in many African nations. My NGO, Under the Same Sun, has evidence of the witchcraft related attacks and killings of 207 people with albinism in 16 African nations. The majority of the victims are children. From Tanzania and Burundi in the East, to Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire in the West and South Africa and Swaziland in the South, people born with this genetic condition live in fear every day. There exists a lucrative black market in albino body parts used to make what is promoted as powerful ''[[muti]]'' medicine. The hand, arm or any albino organ is combined with other ingredients and then sold for thousands of dollars: $3,000 for a hand or over $100,000 for an entire set of organs. Sometimes body parts are even shipped across borders. We seek a day when people with albinism will take their rightful place in all levels of African society and such days of discrimination will be a faint memory. To this end, we call on this Council to pass a resolution condemning acts of violence and discrimination against persons with albinism and to request the OHCHR or the Advisory Committee to carry out a study on such violations. As Edmund Burke so rightly stated, "all that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing."<ref>Ash, Peter (7 June 2013) Human Rights Council: 23rd Session Item 5: General Debate. Oral Intervention East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP) http://www.underthesamesun.com/sites/default/files/Speech%20to%20UN%20June%202013.pdf Accessed 24 April 2014</ref>

==Future plans==

International federation Secretary General Bekele Geleta states that "Albinism is one of the most unfortunate vulnerabilities… and needs to be addressed immediately at international level."<ref name="IFRC" />{{rp|20}} This is a cry for international exposure and help to ensure that people suffering from albinism can be protected from inhumane killings and to be sheltered from the merciless hunters of albino body parts for their potions and spiritual medicine. "The main issues that should be addressed include skin cancer prevention education, stigma and discrimination denouncement, and swift prosecution of albino hunters and their sponsors."<ref name="Cruz-Inigo" />{{rp|80}} Therefore, it is clear that albinos are facing many issues in their lives, and must be protected on the basis of human rights even if they look different and unlike any other race on earth. It is "imperative to inform the medical community and the general national and international public about the tragedies faced by albinos to protect them from skin cancer and ritualistic murders by individuals seeking wealth through clandestine markets perpetuating witchcraft."<ref name="IFRC" />

A number of steps were taken by the government to protect the albino population. The president ordered a crackdown on witchdoctors in the spring of 2008.<ref name="bbc403">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/africa/7327989.stm |publisher=[[BBC]] |title=Tanzania in witchdoctor crackdown |date=3 April 2008 |access-date=3 January 2010 |work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> In addition, an albino woman, [[Al-Shymaa Kway-Geer]], was named to become a member of the parliament, the first albino in such a position in the [[history of Tanzania]]. Police have also been advised to generate lists of albinos and provide special protection for them.<ref name="BBC721">{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7518049.stm |first=Karen |last=Allen |title=Living in fear: Tanzania's albinos |date=21 July 2008 |access-date=3 January 2010 |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref>

To foil [[graverobber]]s, graves of the albinistic were to be sealed with concrete.<ref name=bbc727>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7527729.stm|title=Tanzania Albinos Targeted Again |work=[[BBC News]] |date=27 July 2008 |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=3 January 2010}}</ref> However, by October 2008, killings had not abated, and while some suspects had been apprehended, no convictions had taken place.<ref name="kul">{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=d9487de6-5eeb-4b6e-b21f-4863db51113c |title=Crackdown vowed after Tanzania albino girl killed, mutilated |first=John |last=Kulekana |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |date=21 October 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105100148/http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=d9487de6-5eeb-4b6e-b21f-4863db51113c |archivedate=5 November 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> It was estimated that over 50 murders had taken place since March 2007, many of them in the mining and fishing communities near Lake Victoria, especially at [[Mwanza]], [[Shinyanga]] and [[Mara, Tanzania|Mara]].<ref name="kii">{{cite web |url= http://allafrica.com/stories/200810200901.html |first=Orton |last=Kiishweko |title=Tanzania: JK Orders Crackdown to Stem Murder of Albinos |date=20 October 2008 |work=The Citizen |location=Dar es Salaam}}</ref>

In January 2009, "Prime Minister Pinda had declared war on the albino hunters, and in an effort to stop the trade in albino body parts he had revoked the licenses of all the country's [[witch doctor]]s who use the body parts in their black magic fetishes."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.themorningstarr.co.uk/2009/01/24/tanzania-albino-hunting-update/ |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2009-07-20 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724155047/http://www.themorningstarr.co.uk/2009/01/24/tanzania-albino-hunting-update/ |archivedate=24 July 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

===Convictions against albino hunters===
The first ever conviction for the killing of an albino in Tanzania occurred on 23 September 2009 at the High Court in [[Kahama, Tanzania|Kahama]].<ref name="Albinos call for public hanging of murderers" /><ref name="Albino killers 'should be hanged'" /><ref name="Howden">{{cite news |first=Daniel |last=Howden |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/three-sentenced-to-hang-for-murder-of-an-african-ghost-1792295.html |title=Three sentenced to hang for murder of an African 'ghost' |date=24 September 2009 |access-date=20 April 2014 |work=[[The Independent]] |location=London}}</ref><ref name="Men severed albino boy's legs in ritual killing">{{cite web |url= http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/23/2694777.htm?section=world|title=Men severed albino boy's legs in ritual killing |date=23 September 2009|access-date=24 September 2009 |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Company]]}}</ref> This was a "landmark verdict" was due to the fact that there have been more than 50 murders known at this time and this was the first actual conviction.<ref name="Howden" /> The conviction came about following the murder and mutilation of a 14-year-old boy, Matatizo Dunia, who was attacked by three men in [[Bukombe]] district in [[Shinyanga Region]] in December 2008.<ref name="Howden" /><ref name="Men severed albino boy's legs in ritual killing" /><ref name="Death for Tanzania albino killers" /><ref name="Tanzanian albino killers death sentence">{{cite web |url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/2009/09/090923_tanz_albino.shtml |title=Tanzanian albino killers death sentence |date=23 September 2009 |access-date=24 September 2009 |work=[[BBC World Service]] |publisher=[[BBC]]}} Includes audio.</ref> The men carried Dunia from his home late at night before brutally murdering him. <ref name="Malone" />

One of them was later found with Dunia's leg in his possession.<ref name="Malone" /> The rest of Dunia's body parts were located concealed in shrubbery.<ref name="Malone" /> The men confessed a desire to sell Dunia's parts to a witch doctor, yet despite this, their legal team had not anticipated the [[capital punishment|death sentence]] of hanging which the three men would receive.<ref name="Malone" /><ref name="Death for Tanzania albino killers">{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8270446.stm |title=Death for Tanzania albino killers |date=23 September 2009 |access-date=24 September 2009 |publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref>

The Canada- and Tanzania-based [[Under The Same Sun]] albinism activist organisation praised the breakthrough but its founder Peter Ash remarked: "This is one conviction. There are 52 other families still awaiting justice".<ref name="Three men to hang for Tanzania albino murder">{{cite news |first=George |last=Obulutsa |url= https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE58M0IE20090923 |title=Three men to hang for Tanzania albino murder |date=23 September 2009 |access-date=24 September 2009 |agency=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> The Tanzania Albino Society's chairman Ernest Kimaya called for the [[public execution|hanging to be made public]] to further demonstrate to others that the issue of killing albinos was to be taken seriously.<ref name="Albinos call for public hanging of murderers">{{cite web |url= http://thecitizen.co.tz/newe.php?id=15284 |title=Albinos call for public hanging of murderers |date=24 September 2009 |access-date=24 September 2009 |work=[[The Citizen (South Africa)|The Citizen]]}}</ref><ref name="Albino killers 'should be hanged'">{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8273139.stm |title=Albino killers 'should be hanged' |date=24 September 2009 |access-date=24 September 2009 |publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref><ref name="Albino killers to be hanged">{{cite web|url=http://gbcghana.com/news/28493detail.html |title=Albino killers to be hanged |date=25 September 2009 |access-date=25 September 2009 |publisher=[[Ghana Broadcasting Corporation]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090928213536/http://gbcghana.com/news/28493detail.html |archivedate=28 September 2009 }}</ref>

This issue with witchcraft and its power and influence is that a witch doctor has, as he is almost always "revered by society as ultimate truth."<ref name="UTSS history" />{{rp|3}} Most tribes in ancient times would have committed infanticide upon an albino child seeing it as a bad omen, practiced by the [[Sukuma people|Sukuma]], the [[Digo people|Digo]] and the [[Maasai people|Maasai]].<ref name="UTSS history" />{{rp|5}} However, in some tribes the albinos were made the sacrifices of offerings to the gods or for such uses as potions which is what they are still hunted for today in the 21st century. "One of the most dangerous myths and the crux of recent attacks against PWA is that their body parts can be made into potions that give good luck and wealth to its users."<ref name="UTSS history" />{{rp|4}}

In 2006 some of the first publicly reported killings were spoken about in the media, such as 34-year-old albino woman, Arithi, who was murdered with her arms and legs hacked off and sold. Some cases which have been key in recent years firstly occurred in 2008 when a Tanzanian man tried to sell his albino wife for a price of US$3,000 to Congolese businessmen.<ref name="BBC wife" /> Although the businessmen managed to escape their arrest, Interpol has been assigned to attempt to track these men. this is what led to President Jakaya Kikewere ordering a tightening of police and protection from prosecution, however due to corruption there is still proof that even policeman are being bribed and "bought off" to turn a blind eye to certain crimes if they are receiving pecuniary gain. Although according to BBC News one hundred and seventy witch doctors have been arrested for involvement in inhumane interactions and intentions with albinos.<ref name="BBC wife" />

Another example which occurred where two mothers who were attacked by gangs with machetes in order to get to their albino children. The men broke into a refugee house known as the Lugufu Camp in Kigoma in search of the children; although the children remained untouched the women received severe injuries.<ref name="Howden" /> A further case uncovered by US congressman Gerry Connolly was the November 2008 in Ruyigi, Burundi where the case of a 6-year old albino girl who was shot dead and her head and limbs where hacked off, leaving only her dismembered torso.<ref>This Day Reporter (16 March 2010) US Congress passes new law against albinos torture, killings (http://www.thisday.co.tz/?l=10722. Accessed 15 April 2014</ref>

==Organizations to prevent persecution==

Many organisations have been set up to help protect and provide for albino communities. Films have also been produced to encourage, educate and create an international understanding of the trials which albinos are facing in a modern world still dealing with ancient rituals and practices which encourage murder for medicine. This is against all international human rights legislation and therefore it is important that albinos are collectively protected. Organisations such as National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH),<ref>The National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) http://www.albinism.org</ref> Tanzania Albino Centre (TAC)<ref>Tanzania Albino Center (TAC) http://www.tanzaniaalbino.org/ )</ref> based in Arusha, Tanzania; aiming to "improve the lives of albinos with educational and medical assistance so that they may live safe, accepted, and prosperous lives in the society of their choice."<ref name="Cruz-Inigo" /> Other groups include Assisting Children in Need (ACN);<ref>Assisting Children in Need (ACN) http://www.assistingchildreninneed.com</ref> and Under the Same Sun<ref name="underthesamesun.com">Ash, Peter (2014) {{cite web |url=http://www.underthesamesun.com/home.php |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-05-07 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209142022/http://www.underthesamesun.com/home.php |archivedate=9 February 2011 |df=dmy-all }} Under the Same Sun (2014). Accessed 20 April 2014</ref> where Ash, an albino himself, states his aspirations and purpose for the project: "I have a dream that one day in Africa, people with albinism will take their rightful place throughout every level of society, and that the days of discrimination against persons with albinism will be a faint memory!"<ref name="underthesamesun.com" />

The International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) is a key part of the albino protection movement who are working to integrate albinos back into society safely in Burundi "striving to minimize their vulnerability to hunters, skin cancer, and educational and social marginalization."<ref name="Cruz-Inigo" />{{rp|84}} The IFRC particularly works with protecting mothers and children who are fearing persecution and they assist them in providing safe homes and protection where children are frightened of attacker's and by providing a special arena for the albinos it ensures safety protection and an environment of love, understanding of one another all with albinism, and unity in the battle against persecution and discrimination. The Red Cross have made it very clear in their publications that the government must also take drastic steps in protection of persons with albinism to stop the persecution. They have stated that it is imperative that the government strives to "Ensure effective legal protection for people with albinism, use local administrative structures to locate and protect albino people in hiding and conduct public anti-discrimination campaigns and extend medical services to albinos in need."<ref name="IFRC" />

Asante Mariamu is another organisation which was created after the survival of Mariamu Staford from an anti-albino attack which is determined to ensure that there is "swift prosecution and convictions of their killers" and therefore encouraging justice.<ref name="Cruz-Inigo" />{{rp|84}} This story was presented to the US House of Representatives in March 2010 where US Congressman Gerry Connolly was impacted by this horrific story and "moved me to take action."<ref name="TDR">This Day Reporter (16 March 2010) US Congress passes new law against albinos torture, killings. http://www.thisday.co.tz/?l=10722. Accessed 15 April 2014</ref> He introduced a bill to take action to severe violence being performed against albinos in east Africa and to bring justice and punishment to perpetrators. He spoke to the house in March 2010 urging his colleagues "to join me and Mariamu Stanford in bringing international attention to this horrific abuse of human rights."<ref name="TDR" /> This legislation condemns any injury, murder or mutilation of albinos and specifically urges the local east African government especially in Tanzania and Burundi "to take immediate action to prevent further violence against persons with albinism."<ref name="TDR" /> There are many more which are working on protecting albinos from persecution, and providing adequate health care, sun protection and learning facilities to ensure that albinos are treated fairly and with all human rights, and not hunted as animals in fear of their life. Albino Awareness day has also been created by Dr Aisha Sethi who is an assistant professor of dermatology in the Pritzker School of Medicine which is celebrated on 4th may each year. The President has also appointed Al-Shymaa Kway-Geer as an albino MP who seeks to be a voice in the Tanzanian parliament for protection against persecution of albinos in society and encourages facilities and support of their physical, medical, AND education protection and enhancement.

===Under the Same Sun (UTSS)===
{{Main|Under the Same Sun}}
[[Under the Same Sun]] is a Canadian-founded organisation with support focused on Tanzania and based in Dar es Salam, founded in 2008 by [[Peter Ash (activist)|Peter Ash]] with a vision to "promote via advocacy and education, the wellbeing of persons who are often marginalised or misunderstood. We are driven by the belief that all persons have intrinsic value and since they are created in the image of God."<ref>Ash, Peter (2014) Under the Same Sun: UTSS Information fact brochure {{cite web |url=http://www.underthesamesun.com/sites/default/files/About%20Us%20Brochure.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-05-07 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140507035422/http://www.underthesamesun.com/sites/default/files/About%20Us%20Brochure.pdf |archivedate=7 May 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Therefore, they are acting upon the moral and human rights values to support victims to end the discrimination and persecution of innocent albinos. According to [[Under The Same Sun]], to eradicate attacks against albinos, "it is necessary to focus on eliminating reliance on witchcraft beliefs by strengthening the provision of infrastructure such as schools and hospitals while enhancing the sense of fairness by improving on the system of justice."<ref name="UTSS history" />{{rp|4}} Therefore, regaining albinos their rights to being treated as human, fairly as functioning members of society who may look different and suffer severe vulnerabilities die to their physical condition, but do not deserve to be murdered or hurt in any way because of ancient myths claiming sacrifice of these people will create future benefit for another person.

==Films highlighting persecution of albinism==

Films which have been created are also helping to raise awareness and tell the stories of the albino crisis of persecution, beginning with ''[[In My Genes]]'', a 2009 Kenyan [[Documentary film|documentary]] directed by [[Lupita Nyong'o]] (later a key actor from the 2013 film ''[[Twelve Years a Slave]]''). It was followed in 2010 by ''[[White and Black: Crimes of Color]]'', by Canadian filmmaker Jean-François Méan, which tells the story of Vicky Ntetema, a Tanzanian journalist who investigated the trade for albino body parts in Tanzania. This film became the cornerstone of a national campaign sponsored by [[Under the Same Sun]] to end the wave of violence. After the film's broadcast, the murder rate, which had been steady for three years, dropped by 90%.<ref>http://allafrica.com/stories/201211230077.html</ref>{{Update after|2012|12|31|Articles with obsolete information from December 2012|reason=More recent 2013–2015 sources indicate that the numbers have gone up again, significantly. See talk page.}}

[[White Shadow (film)|''White Shadow'']], a [[Germany|German]]–[[Italy|Italian]]–[[Tanzania]]n 2013 [[drama film]] written, produced and directed by Noaz Deshe, drew international attention to the issue, screening at various [[film festival]]s, winning the Lion of the Future Award at the Venice festival.<ref>{{cite web |title=Noaz Deshe on his Film, White Shadow: A Fight for Survival in East Africa|url=http://www.internationalpolicydigest.org/2014/01/24/noaz-deshe-on-his-film-white-shadow-a-fight-for-survival-in-east-africa/|access-date=14 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Sundance Interview with Noaz Deshe, director of White Shadow|url=http://cltampa.com/artbreaker/archives/2014/01/27/sundance-interview-with-noaz-deshe-director-of-white-shadow|access-date=14 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=70th Venice Film Festival Award Winners |url= http://collider.com/venice-film-festival-award-winners/ |access-date=14 April 2014}}</ref> Also released in 2013, ''[[In the Shadow of the Sun (documentary)|In the Shadow of the Sun]]'', a documentary filmed in Tanzania over the course of six years by Harry Freeland, featured the struggles of [[Josephat Torner]], a campaigner for de-mystification of the superstitions about albinistic people and their use for witchcraft; and teenaged Vedastus, who hopes to survive albino-hunters to adulthood.<ref name="ITSOTS" />
And also The Beautiful Ones Are Born, a yet to be released short film by one of the youngest Nigerian Film maker Dami Taiwo.

==Other African countries==
By June 2008 killings had been reported in neighboring [[Kenya]] and possibly also the [[Democratic Republic of Congo]].<ref name="kul" /><ref name="nyt">{{Cite news
|title=Albinos, Long Shunned, Face Threat in Tanzania |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=8 June 2008 |last=Gettleman |first=Jeffrey |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/08/world/africa/08albino.html}}</ref>

In October 2008 [[Agence France-Presse|AFP]] reported on the further expansion of killings of albinos to the [[Ruyigi]] region of [[Burundi]]. Body parts of the victims are then smuggled to Tanzania where they are used for witch doctor rituals and potions.<ref name="afp">{{cite web |url=http://www.france24.com/20081014-burundis-albinos-flee-sorcerers-organ-traders |first=Esdras |last=Ndikumanna |title=Burundi's albinos flee sorcerers and organ traders |publisher=[[Agence France-Presse]] |date=14 October 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929003917/http://www.france24.com/20081014-burundis-albinos-flee-sorcerers-organ-traders |archivedate=29 September 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Albinos have become "a commercial good", commented Nicodeme Gahimbare in Ruyigi, who established a local safe haven in his fortified house.<ref name="afp" />

By 2010 cases had also been reported from Swaziland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://abcnews.go.com/2020/africans-albinism-hunted-tanzania/story?id=11446434 |last1=Chung|first1=J. |last2=Diaz|first2=J. |title=Africans with Albinism Hunted: Limbs Sold on Tanzania's Black Market |date=26 August 2010 |access-date=29 November 2010}}</ref>

===South Africa===
====Biology====
Oculocutaneous albinism, OCA2, is the most common gene type of albinism inherited disorders among the indigenous people Southern Africa. It occurs at a frequency of 1:4000. The incidence in [[Sotho people]] in northern South Africa is at its highest, with a ratio of 1:1500 in neonates.<ref name="doi.org">Patricia M. Lund Retha Gaigher. A health intervention programme for children with albinism at a special school in South Africa. Health Education Research, Volume 17, Issue 3, 1 June 2002, Pages 365–372, https://doi.org/10.1093/her/17.3.365 Accessed 3 September 2017</ref> Albinism is the largest cause of childhood visual impairment in northern South Africa with a frequency of 1:1900 among the black population.<ref name="ReferenceA">Patricia M Lund and Julie S Taylor. Lack of adequate sun protection for children with oculocutaneous albinism in South Africa. BMC Public Health20088:225
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-8-225 Accessed 3 September 2017</ref> Statistics on albinism in [[South Africa]] are largely incomplete however, studies quoted by the [[World Health Organisation]] in 2006 reported that 1:4000 were born with albinism, compared to about 1:20 000 worldwide.<ref>http://www.wcapd.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Fact-Sheet_albinism.pdf Accessed 3 August 2017</ref>

South African [[human geneticist]], [[Trefor Jenkins]] has made vast contributions to assist in understanding the social and cultural milieu of albinism, the medical risks and implications, resolving the molecular basis and aetiology for OCA2 in Southern Africa.<ref>Int J Ophthalmol. 2014; 7(3): 563–573. Published online 2014 Jun 18. doi: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2014.03.31 Accessed 3 September 2017</ref><ref>http://www.irinnews.org/news/2006/02/16/too-white-be-black-challenge-albinism Accessed 3 September 2017</ref>

====Skin Cancer====
Children with albinism in rural areas are exposed to high levels of ultraviolet light without the adequate protective gear resulting in skin damage. Only 12% of public schools provided SPF15 sunscreen for children with albinism. [[Squamous cell carcinoma]] of the head and neck is the most common type of cutaneous tumours in African patients with albinism. Non melanoma cancers, namely basal and squamos cell carcinoma, which are usually rare in black populations are common among the vulnerable group living with albinism. A South African study of 111 participants with OCA revealed that 23%
of these participants developed skin cancer with the head area being the most commonly affected site.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Many people from rural areas like the Eastern Cape with albinism are unaware of the precautionary measures required to protect their skin. Dr Willie Visser, head of the dermatology division at Stellenbosch University and [[Tygerberg Hospital]], said that while white South Africans presented with skin cancer only after the age of 60, most albinos presented with skin cancer as young as 20. The government health facilities are required to provide sunblock lotion to albinos on a monthly basis however this need is not always met due to stock-outs and lack of knowledge on the part of health workers.<ref>https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/lifestyle/albinos-have-higher-cancer-risk-7632653 Accessed 3 August 2017</ref><ref>http://www0.sun.ac.za/vivus/vivus-1-february-2017/engagement/doctors-reach-out-to-children-at-risk-for-skin-cancer.html Accessed 3 August 2017</ref>

====Racial classification====
Racial appearance and descent played a key role in the racial classification process during [[Apartheid]]. Additionally, different sociological and psychological give skin colour its many connotations. Skin colour is traditionally an instant indicator of identifying race and racial differences. Traditional definitions of race suggest that race and colour are inseparable however, for people with albinism race and colour are not linked. Though colour and race are used interchangeably, they remain independent grounds for discrimination. Individuals living with albinism should be protected against unfair discrimination on the basis of their race as well as their skin tone. Individuals living with albinism are exposed to discrimination, stigmatisation and prejudice based on their colour as well as their race. Skin tone discrimination may be interracial or it can be intraracial. Intraracial skin colour discrimination occurs when an individual of a particular racial group makes a distinction on the basis of skin colour between persons of the same racial group, while interracial colourism takes place when an individual of a particular racial group makes a distinction on the basis of skin colour between persons of another racial group. Scott argues that because current classifications of race do not afford people living with albinism adequate protection, a new category of colour should be proposed.<ref>Scott S. A new category of colour: Analyzing albinism under Title VII of the Americans with Disabilities Act. J Gender Race & Just 1999;2(2):508.</ref> Mswela argues that additional divisions and classifications of race will reinforce problems associated with race.<ref>S Afr J BL 2013;6(1):25-27. DOI:10.7196/SAJBL.236 http://www.sajbl.org.za/index.php/sajbl/article/view/236/287 Accessed 3 September 2017</ref>

====Discrimination====
The difference in appearance in the child with albinism creates socialization and adaption problems. The distinctive phenotypical difference of black (African) people with albinism and the rest of the population group leads to barriers in social integration thus ostracism.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> South Africans living with albinism are among the most vulnerable in the country and there is hardly a serious attempt to protect these citizens from human rights violations, violent crimes, and threats. The extent of violent crimes for people with albinism is not as high as other African countries however, surges of violent crimes against people with albinism have been noted.<ref>Maureen Mswela. African Human Rights Law Journal, Volume 17 Number 1, Aug 2017, p. 114 - 133. https://journals.co.za/content/journal/10520/EJC-8dc964ce9 Accessed 3 September 2017</ref> Their sensitivity to sunlight, which limits the extent to which they can participate in outdoor activities, contributes to the physical and social isolation of children living with albinism.<ref name="doi.org"/> There has been an obligation and responsibility placed on the government to protect vulnerable people after the constitutional court decision on the [[Carmichele v Minister of Safety & Security]] case. The litigation in the Carmichele case creates a strategy for bringing a precautionary suit against the state based on the contention that the state has a duty to protect persons with albinism from violent acts.<ref>M Mswela ‘Violent attacks against persons with albinism in South Africa: A human rights perspective ’ (2017) 17 African Human Rights Law Journal 114-133
https://dx.doi.org/10.17159/1996-2096/2017/v17n1a6 Accessed 3 September 2017</ref> The South African government has designated the month of September as Albinism Awareness month.<ref>https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/raising-awareness-about-albinism Accessed 3 September 2017</ref> Thando Hopa, is a 24-year-old Public Prosecutor and model living with albinism. She is one of the few black albino models and albinism activists in the world.<ref>http://www.sundayworld.co.za/lifestyle/2017/07/24/south-african-model-thando-hopa-works-with-whoopi-goldberg-on-pirelli-calendar Accessed 3 September 2017</ref><ref>https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/02/south-africa-model-albinism-prejudice Accessed 3 September 2017</ref>

====Myths====
Many African communities depend on traditional explanations of albinism rather than the biomedical explanation. This often leads to a negative socialisation of the individual with albinism.<ref name="doi.org"/> People living with albinism are often referred to by derogatory names such as 'inkawu', the [[Nguni languages|Nguni]] term for white baboon, 'isishawa' a [[Zulu people|Zulu]] translation of a person who is cursed as well as 'zeru zeru' which means ghost like.<ref>http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2017/06/05/being-black-in-a-white-skin-students-with-albinism-battle-prejudice Accessed 3 September 2017</ref>
The Swahili term 'zeru' is also commonly used in [[Tanzania]].<ref>http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sowetan/archive/2008/09/03/under-skins-of-fear Accessed 3 September 2017</ref>

Three people were convicted of the murder of 20 year old Thandazile Mpunzi, including her 17 year old boyfriend. The boyfriend lured Mpunzi to an isolated area on the afternoon of August 1, 2015 in the Phelandaba area of Emanguzi in northern [[KwaZulu-Natal]]. She was strangled, murdered and body parts dismembered. They planned to sell the body parts of Thandazile Mpunzi for a fortune. They claimed that a [[traditional healer]] told them they would get rich if they mixed Mpunzi's blood and parts with 'muthi'. Two of the accused pleaded guilty of murder and are sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. Numerous accounts of murdered as well as missing people with albinism are reported. The trading of albino body parts has become a lucrative business.<ref>https://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21700395-superstition-fuelling-grisly-trade-human-body-parts-tanzania-shows-how-it-can-be Accessed 3 September 2017</ref><ref>http://www.enca.com/south-africa/kzn-teenager-gets-18-year-sentence-albino-girlfriends-muti-murder Accessed 3 September 2017</ref><ref>http://www.enca.com/south-africa/missing-albino-boys-family-not-suspects-says-police Accessed 3 September 2017</ref>

==International reaction==
After events involving murders of albino people by three Tanzanian men had been publicised by the [[BBC News|BBC]] and others, the [[European Parliament]] strongly condemned the killing of albinos in Tanzania on 4 September 2008.<ref name="EU">{{cite web |url= http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P6-TA-2008-0413+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN |title=Resolution on the killing of albinos in Tanzania |publisher=[[European Parliament]] |date=4 September 2008}}</ref>
The U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Resolution 1088, introduced by Rep. Gerry Connolly ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]], [[Virginia|VA]]), by a vote of 418-1 on 22 February 2010.<ref>[http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-hr1088/show H. Resolution 1088 at opencongress.org] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202120346/http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-hr1088/show |date=2 February 2014 }}</ref> The resolution condemns the attacks and killings; categorizes them as human rights violations, and urges the governments of Tanzania and Burundi to vigorously prosecute such cases and to conduct educational campaigns to combat the superstitious beliefs that underlie the violent attacks.

== See also ==
* [[Child sacrifice in Uganda]]
* [[Witchcraft accusations against children in Africa]]
* [[Discrimination based on skin color]]
* [[Colorism]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==Further reading==

*[http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/01/130125-albino-albinism-tanzania-witch-doctors/ ''National Geographic'' photo article]. "Inside the Lives of Albinos in Tanzania", January 2013
*[http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/10/131011-albino-killings-witch-doctors-tanzania-superstition/ ''National Geographic'' article]. "As Tanzania's Albino Killings Continue, Unanswered Questions Raise Fears", October 2013
*[http://www.smallplanet.gr/en/documentaries/chronologically/2008-2009/238-zeru-zeru-the-ghosts ''Zeru Zeru: The Ghosts''], documentary about the hunting of albino individuals in Tanzania; by Small Planet Productions
*[http://rtd.rt.com/films/albino-africa/#part-1 RT documentary] about Josephat Torner, an activist for the Tanzania Albinism Society
*[http://www.underthesamesun.com/resources Additional documents] from the organisation [[Under the Same Sun]]

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110527143050/http://mnada.net/alb/index.htm Tanzania Albino Society website] (archive from 2011)
*[http://www.pamoko.org Pamoko.org], a website accounting for the media campaign that took place in Tanzania after the broadcast of the documentary ''[[White and Black]]''
*[http://albinism-in-africa.com/ Albinism-in-Africa.com], website for a project that aims to provide accurate and accessible information on albinism in Africa, as well as information on advocacy, education, projects, and research
*http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2016/06/living-albinism-south-africa-160613062821350.html
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGkykrfqUoY
*http://www.ann7.com/stop-killing-us-people-with-albinism/
*http://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZACC/2001/22media.pdf

{{Discrimination}}

[[Category:Albinism]]
[[Category:African witchcraft]]
[[Category:Burundian society]]
[[Category:Ivorian society]]
[[Category:Nigerian society]]
[[Category:South African society]]
[[Category:Swazi society]]
[[Category:Tanzanian society]]

[[Category:Discrimination|Albinism]]
[[Category:Persecution|Albinism]]
[[Category:Witch hunting]]
[[Category:Colorism| ]]
[[Category:Cultural studies]]
[[Category:Politics and race]]
[[Category:Skin pigmentation]]

[[fr:Albinisme#Préjugés et croyances sur l'albinisme]]

Local Natives

2015-01-03T00:06:23Z

Cdiesh: i loled

{{Infobox musical artist
|name = Local Natives
|image = Local Natives.jpg
|caption = Local Natives on stage at Optimus Primavera Sound in 2013
|landscape = yes
|background = group_or_band
|origin = [[Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California]]
|Instruments =
|genre = [[Indie rock]]
|Formed =
|years_active = 2005-present
|label = [[Frenchkiss Records|Frenchkiss]], [[Infectious Records|Infectious]]
|associated_acts =
|website = {{URL|thelocalnatives.com}}
|current_members = Taylor Rice Kelcey Ayer Ryan Hahn Matt Frazier Nik Ewing
|past_members = Andy Hamm Chris "McGahee" Filley Spencer Knapp Andy Savage

}}

'''Local Natives''' (previously known as '''Cavil at Rest''') is an [[indie rock]] band based in [[Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California|Silver Lake]], [[Los Angeles]], [[USA]]. Their debut album, ''[[Gorilla Manor]]'', was first released in the UK in November 2009, and later released in the US on February 16, 2010. The album received mostly positive reviews<ref name="metacritic">[http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/localnatives/gorillamanor Metacritic: Gorilla Manor by Local Natives]</ref> and debuted in the Billboard 200 and at No. 3 in the New Artist Chart.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/115337-local-natives-debut-on-billboard-top-200-and-3-on-new-artist-chart.html
|title=Local Natives Debut On Billboard Top 200 & No. 3 On New Artist Chart
|publisher=AltSounds
|date=February 24, 2010
}}</ref>

Their sound has been described as "afropop-influenced guitars with hyperactive drumming and hooky three-part harmonies".<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/37235-local-natives-sign-to-frenchkiss/
|title=Local Natives Sign to Frenchkiss
|publisher=Pitchfork
|date=November 30, 2009
}}</ref> Clash Music has also described their style as [[psych folk]], or new fangled folk.

==History==

===Debut album===
{{Main|Gorilla Manor}}
The band came together in [[Orange County, California|Orange County]], where Kelcey Ayer, Ryan Hahn, and Taylor Rice attended [[Tesoro High School]]. One year after graduating college at UCLA, they were joined by bassist Andy Hamm and drummer Matt Frazier. In December 2008, they all moved to a house in [[Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California|Silver Lake]] and started work on their debut album.<ref name="frenchkiss">[http://frenchkissrecords.com/bands/profile/local_natives/ Frenchkiss Records Band Profile: Local Natives]</ref>

Everything the band creates comes from a complete collaboration between their members, from songwriting to artwork.<ref name="frenchkiss" /> Their debut album, ''[[Gorilla Manor]]'', was named after the house they all shared in [[Orange County, California|Orange County]], where most of the album was written. “It was insanely messy and there were always friends over knocking around on guitars or our thrift store piano,” said Hahn. “It was an incredible experience and I’ll never forget that time.” <ref name="frenchkiss" /> The self-funded ''Gorilla Manor'' was recorded by Raymond Richards in his own [[Red Rockets Glare|Red Rockets Glare Studio]], in West Los Angeles, and was produced by Richards and the band.<ref name="frenchkiss" />

===Touring===
The band started to attract the attention of the music press after playing nine shows at the 2009 [[South by Southwest|SXSW]] festival in [[Austin, Texas]], where initial reviews drew favorable comparisons to [[Arcade Fire]], [[Fleet Foxes]], and [[Vampire Weekend]],<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/jun/03/new-band-local-natives
|title=New Band Of The Day
|newspaper=The Guardian
|date=June 3, 2009
| location=London
| first=Paul
| last=Lester
| accessdate=May 11, 2010
}}</ref> as well as "sort of a West Coast [[Grizzly Bear (band)|Grizzly Bear]]."<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13925-gorilla-manor/
|title=Album Reviews: Local Natives: Gorilla Manor
|publisher=Pitchfork
|date=February 15, 2010
}}</ref>

In 2010 the group's song ''Wide Eyes'' became known in Australia after appearing during an election campaign advertisement for the [[Australian Democrats]].
In 2011, they embarked on a European tour, served as opening act for [[Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros]], and made their debut in [[Australia]] at [[St Jerome's Laneway Festival]] <ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/musicnews/s3070352.htm
|title=Local Natives add headline shows to first Australian tour
|publisher=Triple J
|date=November 18, 2010
}}</ref>

===Andy Hamm's departure (2011)===
It was announced March 18, 2011 that the band had parted ways with bassist Andy Hamm. A post on the band's website stated, "It is with extremely heavy hearts that we announce that we have recently parted ways with our bassist Andy Hamm. Due to unresolved differences within the band, we strongly feel that, in order to continue in a positive direction, this is the best course of action. We wish Andy the best and will miss him deeply."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://outtasightblog.tumblr.com/post/3948291807/unfortunate-news
|title=Unfortunate News
|publisher=Local Natives
|date=March 18, 2011
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110823220046/http://outtasightblog.tumblr.com/post/3948291807/unfortunate-news
|archivedate=August 23, 2011
}}</ref>

===''Hummingbird'' (2013)===
{{Main|Hummingbird (Local Natives album)}}
At Lollapalooza the band announced that they built a new studio and are working on completing their second full length album, ''[[Hummingbird (Local Natives album)|Hummingbird]]'', which was released January 29, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lollapalooza Sun Hands Performance|url=http://www.youtube.com/user/lollapalooza?blend=1&ob=5#p/search/1/ll3x0DvUjjo}}</ref> ''Hummingbird'' was produced by [[Aaron Dessner]] of [[The National (band)|The National]], and though it has departed from the "battle-cry urgency" of Gorilla Manor's ''Sun Hands'', singer/guitarist Taylor Rice doesn't look at 'Hummingbird' as a darker album pointing out moments of optimism, and attributing the altered subject matter to the changes and emotions that have come in the last few years since their debut.<ref>http://exclaim.ca/Interviews/FromTheMagazine/local_natives-growth_spurt</ref>

Since 2012, the band has been joined with Nik Ewing as their touring bassist but it was announced at Austin City Limits that he has become an official member on October 11, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Local Natives' Big Vaulted Ceilings|url=http://www.laweekly.com/2013-01-24/music/local_natives_hummingbird_aaron_dessner_national/full/}}</ref>

In August of 2014, at a concert in Salt Lake City, Utah, as part of the [[Music of Utah|Twilight Concert Series]], the band announced that they had already begun work on their third studio album.<ref>{{cite web|title=Staring At Our Ceilings: Local Natives Come to Salt Lake City|url=http://www.saltartists.com/local-natives-come-to-salt-lake-city/}}</ref>

==Line-up==
'''Current'''
* Taylor Rice - guitar, vocals, bass
* Kelcey Ayer - vocals, keyboards, percussion, guitar
* Ryan Hahn - guitar, keyboards, mandolin, vocals
* Matt Frazier - drums
* Nik Ewing - bass (2012–present)<ref>{{cite web|title=Local Natives in Concert : NPR|url=http://www.npr.org/event/music/168653152/local-natives-in-concert}}</ref>

'''Former'''
* Andy Hamm - bass guitar (2006-2011)

===Gallery===
<gallery>
File:Melt-2013-Local Natives-15.jpg|Kelcey Ayer on vocals and keyboards
File:Melt-2013-Local Natives-12.jpg|Ryan Hahn on vocals and guitar
File:Melt-2013-Local Natives-1.jpg|Nik Ewing on vocals and bass guitar
File:Melt-2013-Local Natives-11.jpg|Matt Frazier on drums
File:Melt-2013-Local Natives-18.jpg|Taylor Rice on vocals and guitar
</gallery>

==Discography==

===Albums===
* ''[[Gorilla Manor]]'' - (2009) U.S. No. 160
* ''[[Hummingbird (Local Natives album)|Hummingbird]]'' - (2013) U.S. No. 12

===Singles===
* Sun Hands - (2009)
* Camera Talk - (2009)
* Airplanes - (2010)
* Wide Eyes - (2010)
* Who Knows Who Cares - (2010)
* World News - (2010)
* Breakers - (2012)
* Heavy Feet - (2013)
* You & I - (2013)
* Ceilings - (2013)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[http://www.thelocalnatives.com/ Official Website]
*[http://www.soundcloud.com/local-natives Local Natives] at [[SoundCloud]] (Official)
*[http://www.twitter.com/localnatives Local Natives] at [[Twitter]] (Official)
*[http://www.youtube.com/user/localnativesband Local Natives] at [[YouTube]] (Official)
*[http://www.outtasighttumblr.tumblr.com/ Local Natives] photos at [[Tumblr]]
*[http://www.outtasightblog.tumblr.com/ Local Natives] words at [[Tumblr]]
*[http://www.stems.heroku.com/ Local Natives] remixes at Stems
*[http://www.daytrotter.com/arr/local-natives/3737832.html Local Natives] at [[Daytrotter]]
*[http://www.discogs.com/artist/Local+Natives Local Natives] at [[Discogs]]
*[http://www.thewaster.com/interview/local-natives-the-new-face-of-indie-rock/ Local Natives Interview] at TheWaster.com

{{Red Rockets Glare}}

[[Category:American indie rock groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Los Angeles, California]]
[[Category:Red Rockets Glare artists]]