Uniting to end human rights violations against persons with albinism

Today, June 13 the world commemorates the second International Albinism Awareness Day, a special day to celebrate the talents and achievements of people with albinism, and to join the struggle against the challenges they face.

Commemorated under the theme, “Together we can end human rights violations against persons with albinism,” this year’s theme could not have been more suitable considering the rampant cases of violations against people with albinism reported in the media. The murder of people with albinism recently reported in Mozambique and Malawi highlight the precarious security situation facing people with albinism and the need for concerted efforts to fight the violations.

The recent murder of a six year-old boy with albinism in Mozambique and the surge of killings and persecution in Malawi highlights the vulnerability of people with albinism in society. The persecution is of great concern and unless far reaching measures are taken by respective governments and law enforcement agencies, the lives of people with albinism across Africa will remain at risk.

The safety and security of people with albinism continues to deteriorate Photo: www.dailymail.co.uk

Human rights groups such as Amnesty International have continued to raise their voices that people with albinism need to be protected, and failure to guarantee the safety and security of the people leaves them vulnerable to persecution and discrimination. There is need for stronger advocacy work and education to end human rights violations against persons with albinism.

While people with albinism continue to be discriminated against and tortured in parts of the continent, there is positive work being done by various people to raise awareness on the condition.

We look at prominent campaigners across Africa tirelessly working to highlight and fight the discrimination, stigma and attacks on people with albinism.

Josephat Torner: A Tanzanian activist who has survived an attack. Torner travels around Tanzania and the world educating people on albinism and on the persecution of people with albinism.

Isaac Mwaura: Co-founder Albinism Society of Kenya. Champions the rights of persons living with albinism and disability.

Grace Mumbi Ngugi: Judge of the High Court of Kenya and co-founder of the advocacy organisation, Albinism Foundation for East Africa.

Al-Shaymaa Kwegyir: Tanzanian lawmaker and activist for people with albinism and broadly disabilities.

Bonface Massah: Chair of The Albino Association of Malawi.

Jake Epelle: Founder of the Albino Foundation of Nigeria, an organisation championing issues which affect albino people in Nigeria.

Salif Keita: Founded the Salif Keita Global Foundation, a non-profit organization which highlights the global plight of people with albinism and advocates for their rights and welfare.