Albino killings soiling Tanzania's image, says minister

DAR ES SALAAM - Increased incidents of albino killings in Tanzania have dented the country's image as a peace islet, the minister for Community Development, Gender and Children, Mrs Margaret Sitta says.

The minister made the remark in Dar es Salaam last week during the launch of Say no to violence against women and children campaign. She said the campaign is a worldwide drive meant to advocate and sensitise people to stop violence against women and children. "The habit is a big indignity in the civilized world, but our esteem could be regained if we join hands and stop the unacceptable tradition at once," she said

Mrs Sitta said the Government would strive to support such endeavours by making sure that supportive policies and strategies are put in place. "We have established a 15-year national plan of action to facilitate the fight against gender based violence especial to women and children," she said adding: "We will constantly review the plan to ensure that we are on track as far as gender issues are concerned and that the success of the campaign is in our hands, all of us, not only the Government."

Meanwhile, a counsellor at the South Africa High Commission in Dar es Salaam, Ms Carol Rath, has said her country will continue to work with Tanzania to ensure women live in peace and harmony. "Women and children are very venerable and we promise that South Africa is with you so that we can accomplish this mission together," she said.

OK, I know that flew right over your head; the report was, surprise surprise, written by a Tanzanian journalist. -ED