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Violence and discrimination against persons with albinism as well as trafficking and cross-boarder sale of their body parts continues to be a worrying trend on the continent.TheIndependent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Persons with Albinism, Ms. Ikponwosa Ero in her report to the Human Rights Council earlier this year reported that over 500 cases of violence against persons with albinism including murder and mutilation have been reported in 26 African countries, since 2006. It is believed that a majority of cases go unreported due to the secrecy of witchcraft and other harmful practices which serve as the context of most of these attacks. 

In response to these persistent and egregious violations of the rights of persons with albinism in many parts of Africa the Centre for Human Rights with the support of Open Society Foundation hosted a two-day conference on 9-10 November 2016 which focused on Advancing the Rights of Persons with Albinism in Africa.

The historic conference drew over 200 participants from at least fifteen countries. Participants included scholars, researchers, practitioners, representatives of regional and international human rights mechanisms, advocates for law reform, civil society groups, media, lawyers, policymakers, and analysts from across Africa and beyond.

Honourable Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, Deputy Minister of Social Development of South Africa speaking at the opening of the conference called on governments, relevant international and regional organizations and civil society organisation across the region to cooperate to end rights abuses against persons with albinism in the region.

TheIndependent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Persons with Albinism during her keynote explained that albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition that affects people worldwide regardless of ethnicity or gender. The condition results in a lack of pigmentation in the hair, skin and eyes, causing vulnerability to sun exposure and bright light. For a person to be affected by albinism, both parents must carry the gene. She stressed the need to continue to raise awareness on the rights of persons with albinism in order to combat stereotypes, prejudices and harmful traditional practices and beliefs that hinder their enjoyment of human rights and participation in society on an equal basis with others.

Echoing this sentiment Dr Abdallah Possi, Tanzania’s first Deputy Minister of State with albinism, Honourable Isaac Mwaura, Member of Parliament of Kenya and Commission for Gender Equality, Commissioner Nomasonto Mazibuko encouraged governments to continue appointing persons with albinism to visible and important positions to reduce negative perceptions about albinism.

Twenty-five papers jointly conceptualised by civil society organisations working on the rights of persons with albinism and academia were presented at the conference. These papers covered a diverse range of critical issues including the role of superstition, myth and witchcraft in contributing to rights violations of persons with albinism; research and socio-cultural construction of albinism; the state responsibility for protection and law enforcement; the role of regional and sub regional systems; discrimination in healthcare and education. The discussions in the conference yielded innovative and practical solutions and ideas that will contribute towards advancing the rights of persons with disabilities on the continent.

For more information contact:
Innocentia Mgijima-Konopi
Project Coordinator: Disability Rights and Law Schools Programme
Tel: +27 (0) 12 420 4531
  316 5126
Email: Innocentia.Mgijima@up.ac.za