Access the full text.
Sign up today, get DeepDyve free for 14 days.
References for this paper are not available at this time. We will be adding them shortly, thank you for your patience.
AbstractAs the world mourns and condemns the brutal death of George Floyd by police brutality, one cannot ignore, but reflect on similar atrocities committed against hundreds of Africans by virtue of their skin pigmentation. These victims are Africans with albinism (AwA). Widespread discrimination and targeted attacks against these individuals occur against the backdrop of an erroneous mythology that the body parts of AwA have magic powers which could enhance electoral victory, guarantee bumper harvest, cure medical complications and bring riches. Indeed, many states have attempted to avert further abuse by arresting and prosecuting perpetrators. Yet, violations abound. By June 2020, more than 200 Africans with albinism have been killed in 30 African countries, and a disproportionate percentage has been subjected to abduction, rape and violent attacks. These atrocities question the effectiveness of existing (inter)national human rights mechanisms in safeguarding vulnerable populations from their attackers. Coincidentally, the day June 13 is significant as it marks the 5th Anniversary of the International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD). While reminding us to combat different forms of discrimination faced by AwA, the day also starkly entreats us to survey the level of legal safeguard afforded this vulnerable community in the region. In a bid to forestall further attacks, the paper argues that while it may be vital for the international community to adopt an overarching binding legal instrument speaking to the protection of AwA, African countries should use the IAAD to reinforce information dissemination and awareness campaigns to destigmatize albinism in local communities.
African Journal of Legal Studies – Brill
Published: Sep 28, 2021
Read and print from thousands of top scholarly journals.
Already have an account? Log in
Bookmark this article. You can see your Bookmarks on your DeepDyve Library.
To save an article, log in first, or sign up for a DeepDyve account if you don’t already have one.
Copy and paste the desired citation format or use the link below to download a file formatted for EndNote
Access the full text.
Sign up today, get DeepDyve free for 14 days.
All DeepDyve websites use cookies to improve your online experience. They were placed on your computer when you launched this website. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.