The murder of albinos in Tanzania

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The East African country of Tanzania is known for its natural beauty and relative stability. But recently it’s become known for something quite macabre — the killings and mutilations of members of Tanzania’s albino population. They’re spurred by a lucrative trade in albino body parts for witchdoctor rituals. The World’s Jeb Sharp reports from Dar es Salaam. Download MP3

• Read more
• Audio slideshow: Senegal’s traditional healers
• Phillip Martin’s reports on albinism

Albinism worldwide

Albinos lack pigmentation in their skin and their hair. It is for this reason alone that albinos have been the victims of mutilations and ritual crimes, especially in Africa. Human rights advocates have documented the slaughter of more than 40 albinos in Tanzania, Burundi, and Kenya. Phillip Martin reports on global efforts to show albinos in a more favorable light. (Photo by Rick Guidotti of Positive Exposure.)

Entire program – July 28, 2009

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Today on The World: With troops returning from Iraq, the Pentagon struggles with what to do with all the military equipment there; What some human right groups are doing to help fight discrimination against Albinos around the world; and the story behind a massive European project aimed at harnessing Africa’s solar power.

Fighting discrimination against albinos

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Correspondent Phillip Martin continues his series on the plight of albinos across many races and cultures. Yesterday he reported on the sometimes deadly prejudice against albinos in West Africa. Today, he surveys global efforts to combat discrimination against albinos.

Albinos face discrimination in Africa

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Phillip Martin reports on the challenges faced by albinos in much of sub-Saharan Africa. Albinos lack the pigment melanin in their eyes, skin, and hair. It’s a genetic defect, but in much of Africa, it’s also reason for extreme – and deadly — prejudice.