THE ADVOCATE

Josephat Torner

By Standing Voice

January 9^th, 2020

It is with great sadness that we preface this story with the news that Josephat Torner tragically passed away on Sunday 12th April 2020. Josephat spent his life fighting to protect and empower his brothers and sisters with albinism across Africa and the globe. He was not only a fearless human rights defender, but a colleague and friend, a husband and father.

We hope this story serves as a reminder of his incredible legacy.

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Josephat Torner was one of 35 siblings, and the only person with albinism in his family. Growing up, Josephat faced severe discrimination from both family members and wider community members in his village.

Photo by Harry Freeland / Standing Voice

Following his education, Josephat decided to use his voice for the greater good, dedicating his life and career to the eradication of human rights violations against persons with albinism in his home country of Tanzania. His inspirational story was charted over a 6-year period in the award-winning BBC and ITVS International documentary, In the Shadow of the Sun directed by Standing Voice Founder Harry Freeland.

"There’s only one thing in life that’s helped me. Only one thing… Education."

Josephat was globally distinguished as an ambassador for people with albinism. He travelled the world extensively as a campaigner and advocate, speaking alongside Standing Voice at high-profile events in the United States, Australia, Canada, Holland, Switzerland, Finland, and the UK. He even climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness of the challenges facing people with albinism in Tanzania.

"If you want freedom, you have to fight for it."

His contribution to the community of persons with albinism in Tanzania is an inspiration to us all. We at Standing Voice feel privileged to have known and worked alongside Josephat.

Josephat was a role model to us and to thousands of young people with albinism across Africa. Their futures are made brighter by the legacy he leaves.