A 2023 study conducted by the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, indicates that persons with albinism in South Africa continue to experience discrimination based on the colour of their skin. Titled ‘The impact of race and colour on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism in South Africa,’ the study demonstrates the adverse impact of colour-based discrimination on social inclusion and on the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with albinism in South Africa.
The study found that this discrimination is pervasive across many sectors including education, health, employment and justice sectors. Following the completion of the research study, the Centre hosted a two-day workshop from 13 to 14 June 2024 to raise awareness amongst personnel from these key sectors about the impact of colour-based discrimination against persons with albinism in South Africa.
The purpose of the workshop was three-fold. First, to raise awareness about albinism and the impact of colour-based discrimination on the enjoyment by persons with albinism of human rights such as the rights to education, employment, health and access to justice. Second, to workshop ideas on how to combat colour-based discrimination against persons with albinism in South Africa. Third, to disseminate the research findings and provide various sectors with evidence upon which to base future interventions. The workshop brought together delegates from various sectors including, the albinism movement, the education sector, the health sector, employment sector, media, academia, and government – all with the common goal of combat colour-based discrimination against persons with albinism in South Africa.
Government departments represented at the workshop include the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, the Department of Justice and the Department of Basic Education. The workshop provided an opportunity for delegates to learn from one another. Delegates emphasised the importance of reasonable accommodations, information sharing between CSOs representing persons with albinism and government departments, awareness-raising, capacity strengthening and public education in combating colour-based discrimination. The delegates resolved to work together to fight discrimination and ensure a just and equal society for persons with albinism in South Africa.
For more information, please contact:
Tel: +27 (0)12 420 6398
dianah.msipa@up.ac.za
