Maseru, Apr. 17 — Malawian Advocate for Diversity and Disability Rights has underpinned that across Africa the national human rights frameworks are not all-inclusive on the specific needs of persons with albinism in the broader disability discourse to address the current ongoing human rights violations.
Mr. Bonface Massah said this while giving a comprehensive overview of the status of children with albinism in Africa during the third day of the 43rd Ordinary Session on African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) in Maseru on Wednesday. The day was themed the Day of General Discussion on Solutions to Challenges faced by #ChildrenWithAlbinism.
He said that the impacts of albinism are particularly serious in areas that associate albinism with legend and folklore, leading to stigmatisation and discrimination. He said that in regions of Africa those with albinism may be assaulted and sometimes killed for their body parts for use in witchcraft-related rites or to make ‘lucky’ charms.
He said that limbs, hair and nails are in high demand by witch doctors, and because of this people with albinism often live in constant fear of their lives. He mentioned that such challenges mean that people with albinism are often excluded from education and have limited opportunities to earn a sustainable income.
