Violent attacks against persons with Albinism in South Africa: A human rights perspective
South Africans living with albinism are among the most marginalised and
vulnerable of the country’s citizens, yet very little attention is given to
protecting them from human rights violations, threats and violent crime.
Although the extent of violent crimes targeting South Africans with this
condition has not reached the levels encountered in other African
countries, new evidence indicates a surge in violent crimes against persons
with albinism. The vulnerability of these persons requires immediate
attention before it spirals out of control. It is clear that a case is to be
made for compelling, in particular, the state to intervene. Based on the
groundbreaking decision of the South African Constitutional Court in the
Carmichele case, this article begins a debate on the state’s affirmative
duty to prevent, investigate and punish violent acts against persons with
albinism, as it is feared that the incidents reported in South Africa may
trigger copycat crimes. Provisions from international and regional human
rights instruments relevant to the issues faced by persons with albinism
highlighted in the article are explored briefly.
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