ADVOCACY UPDATES:
- International Albinism Awareness Day (June 13) 2023
This year, 2023, marks nine years since the first International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD). This year’s theme was “Inclusion is Strength” and builds on from last year, ensuring the inclusion of persons with albinism in all sectors of life. Click on the link below to read more about the origins of IAAD and the albinism movement, IAAD activities in Tanzania, and a poignant message IAAD message from our Executive Director.
Read our IAAD 2023 Newsletter in English, French, Portuguese
- The 96th Pre-Session of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) – State Review of Mali
AAN submitted an alternative report (English only) jointly with two Albinism organizations from Mali to the UN in June to the Committee on the Rights of the Child on the situation of children with albinism in Mali. The report focuses on the ongoing difficulties and obstacles faced by children with albinism in Mali when it comes to accessing their basic human rights. Two organizations contributed to the report: Association malienne pour la protection des personnes atteintes d’albinisme (AMPA) Association pour la Promotion, la Protection et l’Insertion Sociale des Personnes Atteintes d’Albinisme (SOS Albinos).
Please contact us if you are willing to contribute to future reports.
Read the full report here. (English only)
- 16th Session of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP16)
In a statement issued in June, the Africa Albinism Network, through the Advocacy Manager, Kwame Andrews Daklo, sounded the alarm to draw attention to the ongoing challenges faced by persons with albinism in Africa, including attacks and violations of their rights. Watch below (In English only. You may use the subtitles tool on YouTube to access the same in French and Portuguese)
- Participation at the COSP16 Side Event hosted by the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum, the Permanent Missions of Barbados and Kenya, the Africa Albinism Network, among others
I.K. Ero, Executive Director of AAN gave an insightful live at this Side Event. The purpose of the Side Event was to evaluate DPO/OPD Collaboration with State Parties on Implementing Elements of the UNCRPD across the Commonwealth. Ms. Ero stressed the need for strategic visionaries within civil society who can work in both political and CSO spaces.
“These strategic visionaries within civil society should be able to codify, simplify, and amplify laws, and policies to educate people and, sometimes governments who don’t understand them.” – I.K Ero
She re-emphasized the presence of attitudinal barriers in Africa that have grounded stigmas associated with persons with albinism and people with disabilities in general. In her final remarks, she congratulated Kenya on being the foremost country in Africa to respond to cases of attacks more efficiently, and in doing so drastically reduced the cases of reported attacks on persons with albinism to near zero.
- The African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR) held its 75th Session
At this year’s ACHPR Session, the Africa Albinism Network called on member states to implement guidelines addressing harmful practices, ratify the Africa Disability Rights Protocol, and adopt National Action Plans for albinism protection.
Read the full statement here. (English only)
- An Advocacy Toolkit for Human Rights Defenders with Albinism
This toolkit is based on the recommendations of the UN Expert on albinism concerning the protection of human rights defenders (such as albinism organizations) working to protect the rights of people with albinism. We are proud to have contributed to the Expert’s report together with the Albinism Alive Initiative (AAI), Albinism Foundation of Zambia (AFZ), Divine Connexion Worldwide (DCW), and Organization for Integration and Promotion of People with Albinism (OIPPA) and Swaziland Association of Persons with Albinism (SAPA).
Download the Toolkit in English, French, Portuguese
NEWS ROUNDUP:
- AAN Receives Recognition from the Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS)
We are delighted to share the news that Africa Albinism Network has been honored by Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS) with an award for our contributions in advocating for the rights and wellbeing of persons with albinism in Tanzania. This recognition serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of the Africa Albinism Network team.
- Cases of attacks on the increase
Since our last quarterly newsletter in April 2023, new cases of attacks have been reported in Malawi, South Africa, and Zambia. We condemn these crimes in the strongest terms and call for immediate protection measures including the implementation of the AU Plan of Action.
Read: New cases of attacks in English, French, Portuguese
IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
- Congratulations are in order for Philemon Gama of Eswatini
W
e extend our heartfelt congratulations to Philemon Gama who, on 23 March 2023, became the first person with albinism to be appointed to the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities. This landmark achievement highlights Philemon’s exceptional dedication and signifies the government of Eswatini’s strong commitment to promoting and safeguarding the rights of individuals with albinism within the country. We are incredibly proud of Philemon’s groundbreaking accomplishment and believe that his appointment will pave the way for greater inclusivity and representation for persons with albinism.
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