Persecution and human rights: Somalia, China, California

Somalis with albinism are persecuted in their country, accused of cannibalism and considered cursed. It is difficult for them to find a job and a place to live – residents are afraid that they will be infected with albinism, too. The number of people with albinism in Somalia is unknown because there is no available data on this subject. In Mogadishu, at the beginning of 2023, approximately 80 families suffering from albinism created the Somali Albinos Association. It aims to familiarise people not affected by albinism with the problematic situation of people with albinism and to help them reduce their stigmatization.

The state of California was the first in the US to adopt a law prohibiting discrimination based on caste – a centuries-old system of hierarchy in force, among others, in India. Scientists generally agree that the caste system dates back to at least 3,000 years ago and served to divide the followers of Hinduism into hierarchical groups. The decision, passed by the California state senate and requiring the governor’s signature there, will provide additional protection to people from the Indian subcontinent who were not covered by US anti-discrimination law.

China is considering introducing a law banning wearing clothes and using words “harmful to the Chinese people and hurting the feelings of the Chinese people.” The new legislation will make it possible to impose financial penalties and even imprisonment for a person who offends the feelings of the ruling government in the PRC with their clothing. So far, legislators have not specified what may result in sending the convict to a detention centre for up to 15 days or a fine of up to $680.