A Landmark Victory for Persons with Albinism: The African Court Rules Against Tanzania
On February 5th 2025, history was made. The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights delivered a groundbreaking judgment holding the Tanzanian government accountable for severe human rights violations against persons with albinism (PWA). This ruling is a long-overdue recognition of the injustice, discrimination, and violence that PWA have endured for decades—and a powerful step toward change not just in Tanzania, but across the African continent.
As the Founder and CEO of Under The Same Sun (UTSS), I have spent years advocating for the protection and rights of persons with albinism. This case has been a personal journey for me and for so many others who have fought tirelessly for justice – we have been supporting this case for nearly a decade. Last year, I traveled to Arusha alongside IK, our Director of Advocacy, and Grace, our Program Manager in Tanzania, to witness and participate in the trial. We watched as Mwigulu, one of our students, courageously testified about the horrors he has survived. And, on behalf of UTSS, IK participated as Amicus Curiae, providing submissions that strengthened the case.
What the Court Ruled
The Court found that the Tanzanian government has systematically failed to protect persons with albinism, violating their fundamental human rights. The judgment states that Tanzania is guilty of violating the rights to:
- Equality and non-discrimination – PWA have been treated as second-class citizens, facing deep-rooted social exclusion and prejudice.
- Life – Many have been murdered in brutal attacks fueled by harmful superstitions, with justice rarely served.
- Dignity and freedom from torture – The government has not taken adequate steps to protect PWA from violent crimes, nor has it held perpetrators fully accountable.
- Education – Many children with albinism have been forced into shelters instead of being integrated into inclusive, quality education systems.
- Health – The lack of access to critical healthcare, including skin protection and vision care, continues to be a life-threatening issue.
- Freedom from abduction, sale, and trafficking – Children with albinism have been kidnapped, trafficked, and even sold due to dangerous myths surrounding their bodies.
A Call for Action
This ruling is a landmark moment, but its real power lies in what happens next. The Court has ordered Tanzania to:
- Establish a victims’ compensation fund with an initial deposit of ten million shillings.
- Strengthen legal protections against violence and discrimination.
- Implement a National Action Plan and launch sustained awareness campaigns to challenge harmful beliefs.
- Improve access to education, healthcare, and child protection services.
- Take decisive action against trafficking, abduction, and the sale of children with albinism.
- Report on implementation within two years, with a follow-up enforcement hearing in three years if these measures are not fulfilled.
What This Means for the Future
For those of us who have fought this battle for years, this ruling is deeply personal. It represents hope, justice, and a commitment to real change. But a court ruling alone will not change the daily realities for persons with albinism. We must ensure that Tanzania follows through on these directives—and we must continue to advocate for stronger protections across Africa.
At UTSS, we are more determined than ever to push for meaningful action. We will keep working to protect and empower PWA, to hold governments accountable, and to dismantle the stigma and violence that have persisted for far too long.
Join Us in This Movement
This is a moment for the world to stand with persons with albinism. The fight for justice is not over, but today, we take a significant step forward. If you believe in a future where every person with albinism can live safely, with dignity and equal rights, we invite you to be part of this movement.
Learn more about our work at UTSS and how you can help make lasting change.
Peter Ash
Founder & CEO
Under The Same Sun
