| This year’s theme Made To Shine– was chosen to celebrate the achievements and successes of persons with albinism worldwide, while at the same time, making a call to stand in solidarity with persons with albinism through their challenges. In this unprecedented time, persons with albinism continue to suffer human rights violations. Recently, in some countries, they have been branded ‘Corona’ or ‘COVID-19’ in an attempt to scapegoat them for the pandemic. In SA unfortunately the Albinism Community still live in fear of victimisation, murder and the myth that they’re bodies are meant for ritual or witchcraft purposes, and so on. The International Albinism Awareness Day has called for the prevention of attacks on persons with albinism, emphasizing that they should also enjoy inherent human rights. Countries including SA, offer opportunities to focus on the challenges that persons with albinism face. Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize has criticized the persistent stigmatisation and discrimination against persons with albinism leading to harmful practises such as ritual murders. “We call upon all communities to ensure the protection and upholding of the rights of persons with albinism and for communities to help bring an end to all forms of attacks and discrimination against them,” said Deputy Minister Mkhize. The crafting of the National Albinism Action Plan on persons with albinism is currently underway and will be driven by government and civil society. This plan will be implemented throughout all spheres of Government. The National Albinism Action Plan will align to the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) and the Hate Crime and Hate Speech Bills, Criminal Matters Act, Judicial Matters Act, Sexual Offences and Related Matters Bill, AU Regional Plan on Albinism, together with the AU Protocol on Disability and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities continues to work tirelessly to ensure mainstreaming of rights of persons with disabilities and for all other government departments to guarantee the protection of people with albinism and their full inclusion in social, economic and political life. “I urge all South Africans to observe this day (June 13) with fortitude, empathy and unwavering support to persons with albinism. This call to action emphasises the need to assist persons with albinism to realise their potential, ability and achievements,” says Mkhize. The Albinism are humans and deserve the respect, rights that should be accorded to them! For more info call: 011 838 6529 Albinism Society of SA or visit: www.albinism.org.za |
Albinism should be respected and afforded same rights as everyone
