Geneva, The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) today accused Tanzania of serious human rights violations for its failure to investigate and condemn attacks on people with albinism, potentially endorsing such abuses through inaction.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the CRPD expressed profound concerns over Tanzania’s lack of response to three specific petitions that highlighted the violent mutilations and ritual killings of individuals with albinism. These cases, which occurred between 2008 and 2010, remain unresolved, with the victims suffering from the consequences of severe discrimination and a lack of justice.

The Committee detailed instances where victims were brutally attacked due to their albinism. In one 2010 incident, a farmer identified only as X was assaulted by two men who amputated his left arm. Despite reporting the crime, he received no follow-up from local police. Another victim, Y, was attacked at age 12, losing fingers and suffering incapacitating injuries. Single mother Z was similarly attacked in 2008; after her arm was severed and her other arm maimed, she miscarried and later faced the amputation of her remaining arm.

The CRPD criticized the Tanzanian judiciary for prolonged and ineffective legal processes and highlighted a systemic failure to address the plight of people with albinism, who are often targeted in ritual killings. The UN body noted that such inaction contributes to an environment of impunity and discrimination against people with disabilities.

In its findings, the Committee concluded that Tanzania had breached its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by failing to provide effective remedies or adequate reparation to the victims. The UN urged Tanzania to implement legislative measures to protect albinos from violence and trafficking and to ensure that attacks are investigated promptly and impartially.

Despite repeated invitations and reminders from the CRPD, Tanzanian officials have not engaged with the UN body to discuss these human rights concerns, nor have they provided updates on measures taken in response to the Committee’s recommendations.

“We regret the State party’s lack of cooperation with the Committee, including its failure to engage in a dialogue to ensure prompt implementation of our recommendations and provide adequate reparation to the victims,” said CRPD member Amalia Gamio Ríos, emphasizing the ongoing disregard for the rights and safety of people with albinism in Tanzania.