MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
2.9.2008
pursuant to Rule 115 of the Rules of Procedure
by Vittorio Agnoletto
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group
on Albino killings in Tanzania
See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B6-0387/2008
B6‑0406/2008
European Parliament resolution on Albino killings in Tanzania
The European Parliament,
- having regard to the UN Declaration on the rights of minorities,
- having regard to the African Charter of Human and Peoples' rights,
- having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. Whereas discrimination against albinos is a serious problem throughout sub-Saharan countries, recently in Tanzania it has taken a wicked twist with at least 19 albinos, including children, being killed and mutilated in the past year, victims of what Tanzanian officials say is a growing criminal trade in albino body parts;
B. Whereas media in Dar-es-Salaam have reported the arrest of at least 173 people, including witchdoctors and organised gangs, for involvement in the killings of Albinos; whereas some of those arrested admitted to having been advised by traditional healers that albino organs, particularly genitals, limbs, breasts, fingers and the tongue, if used in mining and fishing activities in the Lake Victoria Zone, especially Mwanza, Shinyanga and Mara regions, could make people rich in no time;
C. Whereas it is believed that the albino organs possess "mystical powers"; whereas these killings have caused great apprehension among the albino community as they now feel very insecure and are even afraid of staying, walking or travelling alone to avoid potential risks;
F. Whereas the Government has not conducted any research to establish the albino population and in particular the number of victims, some sources estimating this number to be at least 50;
1. Condemns the indiscriminate killings of albinos and the speculative trading in their body parts;
2. Supports the decision of Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete to nominate Ms Al-Shymaa Kway-Geer as the first albino Member of Parliament, owing to her determination to fight the discrimination that she and other albinos suffer;
3. Encourages President Kikwete's call on the Tanzanian population to crack down on these shameful, cruel killings and anti-social behaviour, and urges the President to put in place appropriate security measures to protect albinos;
4. Appeals to the Tanzanian public order institutions, local government authorities and civil society in general to collaborate in order to protect all vulnerable albinos;
5. Calls on the Tanzanian Government to conduct a census of the albino people with a view to provide them with education and health care that will empower them and eventually end all discrimination against them;
6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States, and to the President, the Government and Parliament of Tanzania.