Tanzanian albinos, whose bodies are worth more than gold

Photographer Eric Laforge documented the tragic history of Tanzanian children with albinism, whose flesh, in the opinion of the witches, brings good luck.

Laforge called for the institution managed by a charitable organization Under the Same Sun. There is guarded round the clock the children live with albinism. They are released to the street accompanied by guards.

"In Tanzania, albinos body weight in gold. Wizards use their body parts — nose, genitals, tongues, fingers and ears — for the preparation of drugs that supposedly bring happiness," says Laforge.

In 2000, there were 76 murders of albinos, although in fact they occurred much more. President Jakaya Kikwete called the attack "disgusting" and "a great shame for the country." Limb of the albino costs from 500 to 75 thousand dollars — and this in a country where the average monthly salary of less than $ 40.

The photographer chatted with children. 14-year-old Emmanuel Festo survived the brutal attack with a machete. He cut off his arm at the elbow and cut off the fingers on his other hand. He also lost four teeth and damaged the language.

Despite the injury, Emmanuel loves to draw. He wants to be Prime Minister — to "serve their country".

Girl of Kabul, Garango also suffered from the attack. At the age of 12 her arm lopped off while she was sleeping next to his mother. She dreams of becoming a lawyer and protect other albinos.

Children and adolescents living in an institution for persons with albinism in Tanzania.

A six year old Barracks Kosmas one of the most horrific stories. In the case of the cutting off of his hand was detained 17 suspects, including his father and younger brother. They cut off his hand and sold it for five thousand dollars.

Tanzanian sorcerer.

11-year-old Mbigou Matanane recalls how he cut off his hand: "They wrapped her in dirty rags and disappeared in the bushes."

Kabul of Marengo lost an arm when sleeping next to his mother. Dreams of becoming a lawyer.

Kula lusana, 17 years old. Lost an arm in 2001. During the attack recognized one of the criminals, it was her uncle. "While the arm was cut off, the pain is not felt. As soon as they left, became so painful that I screamed out".

16-year-old Pend of Saregama survived the attack at home. "The hand cut off at the elbow is the second strike machete".

Emmanuel Festo and Pend Saregama.

Emmanuel Festo survived the attack in 2007. He cut off his arm at the elbow and cut off the fingers on his other hand. He also lost four teeth and damaged the language.

32-year-old, Maryam also an albino, she these children as a mother. In 2008, she lost both hands and the child was wearing at the time.

Sister Miriam Jennifer 16. After the attack on Miriam Jennifer spent two weeks hiding in the woods, fearing that they will return. It is the only institution not attack anyone.

14-year-old Adam Robert was attacked with a machete. He has damaged three fingers. Adam was still alive and told the police that the attack involved his father, stepmother, and older brother. Neighbors confirmed his testimony, and the perpetrators were arrested. "I'm never going back to his family."