Monday, March 30, 2009
"Albino killings" cases to be Fast tracked
"But because of the state of albino killings in the country the speed with which the cases are processed would be accelerated purposely"...Read the Rest Here
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Malian musician fights for albinos in his country...
...Can our very own do the same?
Speaking during an enlightenment forum organized recently in Bamako, Keita said the rate at which albinos are being marginalized in schools, hospitals, buses and supermarkets is reaching alarming proportion...Read the Rest Here
Salif Keita Foundation raises more than 76k euros for african albinos
Speaking during an enlightenment forum organized recently in Bamako, Keita said the rate at which albinos are being marginalized in schools, hospitals, buses and supermarkets is reaching alarming proportion...Read the Rest Here
Salif Keita Foundation raises more than 76k euros for african albinos
Albinos: "Our skin is not a source of wealth"
``Really, this state of us being slaughtered like chickens at the whims of wealth-hungry individuals cannot be tolerated,`` a dejected...Read the Rest Here
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Religious leaders, where art thou?
In the fight against albino killings in Tanzania, religious leaders have been eerily quiet. I say this for I believe these are the people who should be at the fore front in this fight and they should be seen to be doing something.
But their silence puzzles not only me but thousands of other people in Tanzania and internationally.
First things first
Violence meted on albinos by people who are out to get their body parts for the “murky” trade that is dubbed “body parts trade”, is proof enough that moral decadence in Tanzania is at an all time high.
We have come to a point where there is very little respect for human life. Our morals have really gone down the drain! It seems to me that some of us have become inured to the current state of affairs. So to them that are inured, news of albino killings and other such violence means nothing special! Very sick indeed.
There is nothing as dangerous as getting used to something (or even a way of life) that has the potential to kill and destroy. But it seems that is where we are.
We are actually like frogs being boiled to death. You know, when you put a frog in boiling water it will just jump out. However, when you put it in water that is at room temperature and start boiling it, it will eventually be cooked!
We are being boiled with water that is at room temperature. A time will come when it will be very hard to reverse things. But why should we get to that point of no return?
I subscribe to the idea that words can make or break ‘a man’. So, I believe that when religious leaders stop dilly dallying and take a stand (drum into their congregations that our society will be safe when we return to God with all our hearts and that wealth is created by sheer dint of hard work and not otherwise), then we’ll be on our way to recovery.
A society that does not heed the word of God that comes through His servants, is doomed. I call upon the religious leaders in Tanzania to stand in their positions and shame the decadence that has taken a strangle-hold of us.
After all, the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
But their silence puzzles not only me but thousands of other people in Tanzania and internationally.
First things first
Violence meted on albinos by people who are out to get their body parts for the “murky” trade that is dubbed “body parts trade”, is proof enough that moral decadence in Tanzania is at an all time high.
We have come to a point where there is very little respect for human life. Our morals have really gone down the drain! It seems to me that some of us have become inured to the current state of affairs. So to them that are inured, news of albino killings and other such violence means nothing special! Very sick indeed.
There is nothing as dangerous as getting used to something (or even a way of life) that has the potential to kill and destroy. But it seems that is where we are.
We are actually like frogs being boiled to death. You know, when you put a frog in boiling water it will just jump out. However, when you put it in water that is at room temperature and start boiling it, it will eventually be cooked!
We are being boiled with water that is at room temperature. A time will come when it will be very hard to reverse things. But why should we get to that point of no return?
I subscribe to the idea that words can make or break ‘a man’. So, I believe that when religious leaders stop dilly dallying and take a stand (drum into their congregations that our society will be safe when we return to God with all our hearts and that wealth is created by sheer dint of hard work and not otherwise), then we’ll be on our way to recovery.
A society that does not heed the word of God that comes through His servants, is doomed. I call upon the religious leaders in Tanzania to stand in their positions and shame the decadence that has taken a strangle-hold of us.
After all, the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Govt to be taken to court over Albino killings
Three non- governmental organizations dealing with human rights plan to file a petition to the High Court of Tanzania against the government, accusing it of its failure to stop the vicious killings of albinos in the country...Read the Rest Here
...Human Rights groups to sue the Government of Tanzania
...Human Rights groups to sue the Government of Tanzania
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Human Rights groups to sue the Tanzania government for “failing Albinos”
Some Human Rights groups in Tanzania have vowed to sue the Tanzania government for failing to take charge of issues concerned with the violence against albinos.
The groups have said, in no uncertain terms, that the government has failed in its duties of safeguarding the lives of some of its citizens (people with albinism). They have added that the concerned government bodies (The Ministry of Home Affairs, the Police, and the Ministry of Health) have not been seen to treat this subject with the seriousness that it deserves.
They accuse the Ministry of Health of laxity in that the ministry has not been doing much to deal with and try to prevent skin cancer from decimating the albino population in the country.
When asked about the secret ballot exercise, that is underway to identify perpetrators of violence against albinos, they expressed dissatisfaction in how the exercise is being conducted and said that it will not avail much.
They want the government to compensate each and every family that has been afflicted by this current predicament.
The Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Lawrence Masha, when reached on the phone to comment on the stand of these human rights groups, said that he did not have any official notification of this stand by these groups. He reiterated that the government is doing all that is in its power to bring albino killings to an end.
The groups have said, in no uncertain terms, that the government has failed in its duties of safeguarding the lives of some of its citizens (people with albinism). They have added that the concerned government bodies (The Ministry of Home Affairs, the Police, and the Ministry of Health) have not been seen to treat this subject with the seriousness that it deserves.
They accuse the Ministry of Health of laxity in that the ministry has not been doing much to deal with and try to prevent skin cancer from decimating the albino population in the country.
When asked about the secret ballot exercise, that is underway to identify perpetrators of violence against albinos, they expressed dissatisfaction in how the exercise is being conducted and said that it will not avail much.
They want the government to compensate each and every family that has been afflicted by this current predicament.
The Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Lawrence Masha, when reached on the phone to comment on the stand of these human rights groups, said that he did not have any official notification of this stand by these groups. He reiterated that the government is doing all that is in its power to bring albino killings to an end.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Suspected albino killers nabbed in Burundi
``Before arresting them, we did a search and found human bones in their houses,`` said...Read the Rest Here
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Albinos need more than they are getting
There’s been so much said about the plight of albinos in Tanzania especially since the emergence of animosity against them. The media has been awash with all manner of stories on acts of violence against albinos.
Although most of the reports have not been conclusive, they have “helped” create the grave picture that Tanzanian albinos are living at the edge of a precipice that overlooks a bottomless abyss.
To help reverse the fate of albinos in this country, numerous plans have been put in place to stem the spate of violence against them. Though none of them is fool-proof, albinos can start breathing a sigh of relief.
No. Not just yet.
Albinos have so many other enemies save for the greedy people after their body parts. These other enemies are life-threatening as well. But few people are focusing on them in the fight to safeguard the lives of albinos in our communities.
The sun’s rays are a major enemy to an albino. They can, and do, cause skin cancer to an albino. These rays, too, are an enemy to the eyes of an albino.
To keep themselves safe against the effects of the sun, albinos need special cream for the skin to protect it from the aggravating effects of UV rays. They also need wide-brimmed hats to protect their faces and eyes from direct sunlight as they go about their business.
In addition to these, they need special sunglasses to filter the dangerous UV rays from wreaking havoc on their eyes. Also, due to their poor eyesight, they need magnifying glasses to aid them in reading. These are among some of the things that albinos need to take care of themselves.
All these things come at a price. And to most of the albinos, they are way too expensive. This situation has been compounded by the fact that most of them lead very poor lives.
The bottom line is that they need to be helped to acquire these very essential things so that they can lead safe lives.
I beseech all you well-wishers out there to help albinos in Tanzania to acquire these essentials. There are albino societies in all or almost all of the regions in mainland Tanzania. These would appreciate any form of donation in cash or kind (especially the sun creams, hats, magnifying glasses and sunglasses).
When I talk of donations, I think of the many donations that Tanzania-born philanthropist, Mr. Reginald Mengi, makes to albinos (and other groups) in Tanzania.
He has the heart of a giver and he uses part of his immense wealth to better the lives of other human beings. I laud you for that, Mr. Mengi.
There are so many other wealthy people in Tanzania. I pray that they’ll find it in their hearts to use some of their wealth to afford albinos in this country the essentials I have mentioned (and so many more).
Please don’t get me wrong, you don’t have to be wealthy to give. Anyone and everyone can help in their own unique ways. So, even you my reader, can help to better the life of an albino somewhere in mainland Tanzania.
Let philanthropy rule the air and the war to safeguard the lives of albinos in Tanzania will have been half won. Sweet success!
Parting Shot
It is said, to the world you just might be one person; but to one person you just might be the world. Go for it!
Although most of the reports have not been conclusive, they have “helped” create the grave picture that Tanzanian albinos are living at the edge of a precipice that overlooks a bottomless abyss.
To help reverse the fate of albinos in this country, numerous plans have been put in place to stem the spate of violence against them. Though none of them is fool-proof, albinos can start breathing a sigh of relief.
No. Not just yet.
Albinos have so many other enemies save for the greedy people after their body parts. These other enemies are life-threatening as well. But few people are focusing on them in the fight to safeguard the lives of albinos in our communities.
The sun’s rays are a major enemy to an albino. They can, and do, cause skin cancer to an albino. These rays, too, are an enemy to the eyes of an albino.
To keep themselves safe against the effects of the sun, albinos need special cream for the skin to protect it from the aggravating effects of UV rays. They also need wide-brimmed hats to protect their faces and eyes from direct sunlight as they go about their business.
In addition to these, they need special sunglasses to filter the dangerous UV rays from wreaking havoc on their eyes. Also, due to their poor eyesight, they need magnifying glasses to aid them in reading. These are among some of the things that albinos need to take care of themselves.
All these things come at a price. And to most of the albinos, they are way too expensive. This situation has been compounded by the fact that most of them lead very poor lives.
The bottom line is that they need to be helped to acquire these very essential things so that they can lead safe lives.
I beseech all you well-wishers out there to help albinos in Tanzania to acquire these essentials. There are albino societies in all or almost all of the regions in mainland Tanzania. These would appreciate any form of donation in cash or kind (especially the sun creams, hats, magnifying glasses and sunglasses).
When I talk of donations, I think of the many donations that Tanzania-born philanthropist, Mr. Reginald Mengi, makes to albinos (and other groups) in Tanzania.
He has the heart of a giver and he uses part of his immense wealth to better the lives of other human beings. I laud you for that, Mr. Mengi.
There are so many other wealthy people in Tanzania. I pray that they’ll find it in their hearts to use some of their wealth to afford albinos in this country the essentials I have mentioned (and so many more).
Please don’t get me wrong, you don’t have to be wealthy to give. Anyone and everyone can help in their own unique ways. So, even you my reader, can help to better the life of an albino somewhere in mainland Tanzania.
Let philanthropy rule the air and the war to safeguard the lives of albinos in Tanzania will have been half won. Sweet success!
Parting Shot
It is said, to the world you just might be one person; but to one person you just might be the world. Go for it!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Albino children moved to Safety
Ten Albino children in Kisarawe District, Coast region, who were hidden by their parents for safety reasons, will next week join a special boarding primary school...Read the Rest Here
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Albinos and the Warped Mentality of Humankind
Government should erect a giant cross, and provide ladders with which to climb it, at Mnazi Moja in Dar es Salaam, for the sole purpose of persuading concerned citizens to sacrifice themselves to save albinos from primitive harassment...Read the Rest Here
Albinos: Hunted, Jaded
In the middle of last month, on the 14th February to be precise, lawyer George Bakari reviewed the killings of albinos in the country, capping it with a crucial quote by German cleric Pastor Martin Niemoller...Read the Rest Here
Monday, March 2, 2009
In the Fight against Albino killings, we are as good as our Word
One of the easiest things to do on earth is to say you'll do something, while you have no intention of doing so. You say so just to put off a present pressure not thinking what your word will portend for you in future.
Is your yes a genuine yes? Is your no a genuine no? Do you say yes or no to foster a genuine cause or does the pit of your bowels quake, the while you use them, for you mean not what you say?
Pythagoras, the great Mathematician, said ' the oldest, shortest words – yes and no – are those which require the most thought. ' How very true!
When you say, "I'll stand by you come rain come high water", do you mean every bit of it? Do you suffer from bouts of vacillation once you set out to execute that which you say?
I know these are hard and searching questions. Nevertheless, they are enough to drive a point home.
We must be mature enough to become accountable for our word – we must see that we keep it when we give it. Many people pile load after load of guilt upon themselves by not keeping their word, then wonder why they have ulcers, heart problems and motley of other problems.
Our word, when given, is a source of faith to those who receive it, and determines their conduct. When the word is not kept, unbelief develops.
Sometimes people who refuse to compromise truth or principle are viewed with contempt. People who are of questionable behaviour fear to associate themselves with men and women of integrity because they fear their unethical behaviour will be exposed.
Surely, light and darkness cannot be accommodated in the same room. One of them has to bow and leave. Incidentally, something worth noting here is that when light enters a dark room, the darkness has to flee; but darkness cannot dare enter a room that is well lighted. It goes to show that people of integrity are a force to reckon with.
Sadly, people of integrity and unquestionable principle are becoming rarer and rarer by the day. Countless numbers of men and women who were once famed for their integrity are opting for mediocre, second-rate lives (lives that are 'easier' to live as there is less accountability). In the long run, respect, honour and moral uprightness are thrown out the window.
But don't lie to yourself: you can never lie to your conscience. It will always remind you the wonderful path you forsook for God knows what reasons!
Your conscience is the most important thing you possess, second only to your soul. Guard it! Screen it! Unclog it! For heaven's sake, keep it
alive!
The sixty four thousand dollar question is: Are we ready to stand by what we set out to do to make sure that albinos lead lives of peace in this free country – Tanzania?
Quotations that Inspire me to Action
To preserve life we must be a People of Courage
Legislators should Stand up for the Down-trodden
A humbling chat with Peter Ash
Do people really understand the Fight against Albino Killings?
The Prayer of a Tanzanian Albino
Let's Speak up for Albinos; if we don't...
Is your yes a genuine yes? Is your no a genuine no? Do you say yes or no to foster a genuine cause or does the pit of your bowels quake, the while you use them, for you mean not what you say?
Pythagoras, the great Mathematician, said ' the oldest, shortest words – yes and no – are those which require the most thought. ' How very true!
When you say, "I'll stand by you come rain come high water", do you mean every bit of it? Do you suffer from bouts of vacillation once you set out to execute that which you say?
I know these are hard and searching questions. Nevertheless, they are enough to drive a point home.
We must be mature enough to become accountable for our word – we must see that we keep it when we give it. Many people pile load after load of guilt upon themselves by not keeping their word, then wonder why they have ulcers, heart problems and motley of other problems.
Our word, when given, is a source of faith to those who receive it, and determines their conduct. When the word is not kept, unbelief develops.
Sometimes people who refuse to compromise truth or principle are viewed with contempt. People who are of questionable behaviour fear to associate themselves with men and women of integrity because they fear their unethical behaviour will be exposed.
Surely, light and darkness cannot be accommodated in the same room. One of them has to bow and leave. Incidentally, something worth noting here is that when light enters a dark room, the darkness has to flee; but darkness cannot dare enter a room that is well lighted. It goes to show that people of integrity are a force to reckon with.
Sadly, people of integrity and unquestionable principle are becoming rarer and rarer by the day. Countless numbers of men and women who were once famed for their integrity are opting for mediocre, second-rate lives (lives that are 'easier' to live as there is less accountability). In the long run, respect, honour and moral uprightness are thrown out the window.
But don't lie to yourself: you can never lie to your conscience. It will always remind you the wonderful path you forsook for God knows what reasons!
Your conscience is the most important thing you possess, second only to your soul. Guard it! Screen it! Unclog it! For heaven's sake, keep it
alive!
The sixty four thousand dollar question is: Are we ready to stand by what we set out to do to make sure that albinos lead lives of peace in this free country – Tanzania?
Quotations that Inspire me to Action
To preserve life we must be a People of Courage
Legislators should Stand up for the Down-trodden
A humbling chat with Peter Ash
Do people really understand the Fight against Albino Killings?
The Prayer of a Tanzanian Albino
Let's Speak up for Albinos; if we don't...
The "name-albino-killers" exercise to start Soon
``People should feel free to name those who are behind these barbaric killings and other criminal acts within their localities,"... Read the Rest Here.
See also Strategy to Stem Albino Killings
See also Strategy to Stem Albino Killings
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
