In light of recent events and discussions regarding France’s lack of engagement in processes of cultural restitution with Francophone West Africa, this thesis explores whether this noncompliance...Show moreIn light of recent events and discussions regarding France’s lack of engagement in processes of cultural restitution with Francophone West Africa, this thesis explores whether this noncompliance reflects the persistence of French neocolonial relations, notably cultural imperialism. Through the qualitative study of three institutions (namely France’s heritage laws, political sphere and museums), this thesis seeks to call attention to France’s complex apparatus of cultural imperialism. It is argued that these three institutions support the country in maintaining a monopoly over West African cultural heritage, and perpetuate a neocolonial status-quo with the latter region. This paper supplements previous literature on the topic by using postcolonial theory as a common thread throughout the analysis, and inscribes itself in a broader effort to restore a balance between French and West African cultural institutions.Show less
This study investigates the existing and remaining challenges in regard to the protection of people with albinism (PWA) in Tanzania. Unfortunately, this is a controversial subject, one which has...Show moreThis study investigates the existing and remaining challenges in regard to the protection of people with albinism (PWA) in Tanzania. Unfortunately, this is a controversial subject, one which has been widely broached in international news and rather less so in the academic literature. In order to conduct this research, a qualitative newspaper and academic peer-reviewed literature analysis has been applied using Tanzania as a case study for albinism in the African continent. Moreover, data will be collected from reports, websites, secondary sources of qualitative nature and primary sources such as interviews of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), especially UTSS, which has played a role in attempting to help people with albinism. Beliefs in witchcraft still remains prevalent in the modern society of Tanzania, and constitute challenges to the protection of PWA. Indeed, this is the first factor that hinders the protection of the human rights of PWA, when researching their stigmatization and the perpetuated violence they suffer. Now going beyond the issue of witchcraft beliefs and other cultural aspects such as the process of othering, this thesis will address other challenges. For instance, poverty can be an incentive for amputation or murder of PWA, as there is an existing black market for buying and selling body parts of PWA. In addition to the aspect of poverty, this thesis will also address the challenge of corruption, and how corruption affects legal prosecutions of the perpetuators. Ultimately, the author will elaborate on notions of human rights, as these are not yet fully endorsed on all levels of analysis, referring to the international sphere, regional and lastly national.Show less
