Mali albino given Spanish asylum 'fled discrimination'

Lawyers for a Malian albino man granted asylum in Spain have told the BBC he faced constant discrimination at home.

Abdoulaye Coulibaly, 22, who arrived illegally by boat in the Spanish Canary Islands in April, says he also survived two kidnap attempts in 2007.

Cases of violence aimed at albinos are unusual in Mali, but there have been numerous cases of murder, kidnap and torture of albinos in East Africa.

Lawyers say Mr Coulibaly's case shows the problems are more widespread.

In Tanzania, witchdoctors sell good-luck potions made from the body parts of albino people for thousands of dollars.

'Bad luck'

Mr Coulibaly is the first albino man from Africa to be granted asylum by Spain.


We've been telling people that albinos are human like anyone else, that their hair doesn't bring happiness or wealth

Mamoutou Keita of the Salif Keita Foundation
His case was taken up by the Spanish refugee aid agency, CEAR.

"He found it difficult to get work in Mali and whenever anything went wrong in his town, people would blame him," Kimi Aoki, a lawyer from CEAR in Las Palmas, told the BBC.

"They said he brought bad luck," she said.

Mr Coulibaly was even blamed when the boat that carried the migrants to Spain from Africa got into difficulty.

Ms Aoki said he escaped two kidnap attempts with the help of people on the street.

"They tried to kidnap me twice to use my body," Mr Coulibaly told Spanish newspaper El Pais.

"I know they cut off the fingers and hands of other albinos to use them in rituals."

Lawyers' surprise

His case was supported by the famous Malian musician Salif Keita, who is albino himself.



Even so, the foundation established by the singer says a series of public information campaigns in Mali have helped reduce the risk of kidnap or killing.

"We've been telling people that albinos are human like anyone else, that their hair doesn't bring happiness or wealth, that their heart is the same as anyone's," the foundation's Mamoutou Keita says.

"More and more people are starting to understand that an albino is like anyone else. All that's different is the lack of melanin in their skin."

Now in Tenerife, Mr Coulibaly is learning Spanish and plans to find work.

He has also discussed trying to help his two brothers - who are also albino - join him legally in Spain.

It can take up to two years for the Spanish authorities to process an asylum application but Mr Coulibaly's case was completed in just nine months.

Surprised local lawyers call it a "real success" and hope it can help other albino people who seek refuge here.

The asylum application of the only other African albino to do so previously was rejected and is currently under appeal.

Spain's Interior Ministry did not accept that the serious daily discrimination he reported in Nigeria amounted to persecution.

Sourc:bbc.co.uk

Ship with £375m cocaine cargo is seized

Police have smashed a London-based drugs gang after a ship carrying a record £375 million of cocaine was seized off the Spanish coast.

Spanish police boarded the 150ft former coastguard vessel, named Destiny Empress, yesterday after it crossed the Atlantic from the West Indies. Armed officers swooped on the boat with support from the Spanish Navy.

The raid was co-ordinated by Scotland Yard's Central Task Force with support from the Spanish police and the Serious and Organised Crime Agency. Detective Chief Inspector Peter Beyer said the cocaine haul was the biggest the Met had ever seized. He added that the drugs were destined for London and the seizure would have an effect on the price of cocaine in the coming months.

"We target the people at a higher level. We want to catch people who import the drugs in large amounts and we have made a huge dent in that," Mr Beyer said.

The gang was linked to a network stretching between London, Spain, the Caribbean and Colombia. The vessel, which had been tracked across the Atlantic from Trinidad, was carrying at least 1.5 tonnes of cocaine.

Its crew was arrested and other arrests have taken place in London.

Source:thisislondon.co.uk/

Speaking Spanish In Spain

One of the best ways to experience a Spanish speaking country is to be able to understand what is being said around you. So, why not learn Spanish? It’s not as difficult as it may sound. You can actually learn to speak Spanish from the comfort of you own home with your personal computer as your teacher. Luckily, there are a number of online programs that will teach you what you need to know to communicate once you get to Spain.

In addition to getting a better feel for the Spanish culture by speaking the language, there are other benefits of leaning the language as well. Once you return home from your trip, being able to be bilingual is very coveted by employers and may open up a whole world of new jobs to you.

Learning Spanish Online

The biggest benefit of learning Spanish online is that you can gear the course to your speed. You do not have to worry about keeping up with the class, you can do as much or as little as you want each time you sit down to learn. When you get on the internet and conduct a search you will notice there are a number of websites that offer Spanish courses from home. Some are free; others will charge you for the classes. Generally, those that charge do have more to offer and a more comprehensive learning program.

The largest worldwide Spanish instruction organization is the Instituto Cervantes. The whole goal of the organization is to promote Spanish culture and the teaching of Spanish worldwide. It was founded in 1991 as a public institution in Spain. Now it is spreading out and is in four continents.

These courses are very detailed. They do teach all the areas necessary for speaking Spanish such as the spelling, grammar, vocabulary and phonetics. But, they also teach the importance of Spanish culture, and about socio cultural issues.

Once You’ve Completed Learning Spanish Online

While taking courses is a good way to learn the language, the best way to know you are ready to use it and to become more fluent is to immerse your self in a situation where you must speak Spanish and see how well you do. Traveling to a Spanish speaking country is a good way to be surrounded by the culture and traditions as well as be surrounded by the language.

There are also programs called language immersion programs in Madrid, Seville and Barcelona. These are considered the by-far fastest way to learn the language and become fluent.

The immersion classes are geared towards smaller groups of students with a number of activities where you must use Spanish and only speak Spanish. In addition to classroom time there are many times you will be out in the public and interact with people, honing your skills.

When it comes to accommodations you may be put in an apartment with another student, or be hosted by a local family which will be a great opportunity to learn the culture of the country first-hand.

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

Spain on a Budget

International travelers are wary of traveling to Europe because of the perceived high cost of traveling there. Additionally, Spain is considered to take the cake as it is considered an ideal destination only for the cash rich. But this is only what it can be- a myth. You can travel to Spain even on a shoestring budget and find ways and means of great enjoyment there.

By far the cheapest way to see Spain is as a backpacker. And, backpack traveling is no longer the monopoly of college kids dragging their possessions on their back and sleeping in the park. Indeed, these days, individuals of all ages routinely backpack across Europe on a shoestring budget, and enjoy all the comforts. It is the best way to see more than the big cities and tourist traps. And, in Spain you need to interact with the people to get the feel of the place.

Instead of staying in luxury hotels, look at the other options. Many budget minded travelers choose to stay in hostels instead of hotels to save some cash. Remember, you are supposed to be exploring the country, not the inside of the hotel room so leave your lodging snobbery at home. Hostels are much like dormitories, where travelers share one large room with others. This is a great way to meet other travelers in addition to sticking to your budget. Consider bringing essentials like a sleep sack or shower shoes if you plan on staying in hostels, although most are clean.

Another great way to see Spain on a budget is travel on a tour. This is especially helpful for first time international visitors or those who are traveling with small children. Often times, these tours are all inclusive and are great for those on a budget. Check airline and travel websites for special deals that include lodging costs in addition to airfare and transportation. Also, see if any community groups are planning a trip overseas, as they often provide all inclusive tours for a great price.

For a longer holiday in Spain, it is best to rent an apartment; that will save you a great deal of money. You will find many furnished apartments and lofts available all over the country specifically for short term occupancy. You will not only save money but also have the freedom to cook your own food instead of eating out in restaurants.

When it comes to saving money before you go, check into special travel cards or deals that appeal to travelers of all ages. In fact, there are a great many specials available for students or youth in addition to families and seniors. Check out a travel card before you go to save the most money. Also, many Spanish cities have special cards that allow you to visit a variety of museums, galleries, and attractions for one price. Furthermore, look into purchasing block transportation cards instead of paying per trip, since it will save you a great deal of money in the long run.

Instead of renting a car in Spain, use the train system for transportation. Trains in Spain are clean and on time, allowing you to criss-cross the country quickly and easily. If you plan on doing a great deal of train travel, consider purchasing a country pass that will allow you unlimited travel for the period of the pass.

Anyone can enjoy a great trip to Spain and stick to their budget, no matter how restrictive it may be. Bring the entire family or travel by yourself to find the great culture and sights that Spain has to offer.

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

Murcia A Hidden Spanish Treasure

If you want to travel to an exciting and unique destination where you can enjoy everything from fabulous weather to fascinating sights – and without the noise of a high number of tourists – then Murcia could prove the ideal destination for you. This is an area that boasts everything you could want for an exciting, satisfying, and memorable vacation experience, and you will find plenty to see and do here, as well as plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind in the sun. With some great deals available on flights and hotel accommodations in Murcia, you won’t have to break the bank when you visit this destination. You can look forward to a full and diverse itinerary, with bags of history and culture to explore, as well as an array of entertainment, attractions, recreational facilities, and more, all within easy reach. Whether you are travelling alone, with a partner, or as part of a larger group or family, you will not be disappointed with your time in this area, and your can combine rest and relaxation with exploration, adventure, fun, and recreation.

Enjoy an array of sights and attractions

When you visit Murcia you can look forward to a wide choice of sights and attractions, so you can look forward to keeping busy and entertained throughout your time here. Enjoy a simple stroll around the city, and take in everything from the natural beauty to the historical architecture as you enjoy exploring the area on foot. If you enjoy delving into the past you will find some wonderful historical attractions to visit. Check out the array of museums in the area, which includes the Science Museum, the Cathedral Museum, the Religious Art Museum, and the Archaeological Museum. Enjoy visiting some wonderful historical buildings and churches, such as the fabulous cathedral, Santa Ana Church, and the Las Agustinas Monastery. Enjoy a trip to the Roman theatre, or enjoy spending time at the Murcian Market Garden. You will find some great shopping opportunities here too, so you can also satisfy the die hard shopper in you with a choice of facilities available.

Get some great deals on your holiday to this destination

Of course, we all love a bargain, and what better way to enjoy the delights of Murcia than through a wonderful vacation that doesn’t cost the earth. You can get some fabulous deals on flights and accommodations in this area, and the best way to find a really low cost deal is to utilize the power of the Internet. By going online to find your holiday bargains you can look forward to an excellent choice of deals, which increases your chances of finding just what you are looking for at a price that fits in with your budget. You can compare the different deals on offer with ease when you go online, and based upon your needs and your budget you can select the one that best suits you. What’s more, you can make your booking via the Internet as well, which means that you can save yourself time and hassle as well as money. With such huge savings available you can look forward to some extra spending money whilst you are in Murcia, as well as the convenience and ease of finding the perfect deal from the comfort of your own home.

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com