Celebrate International Women’s Month!
Women with albinism shine with resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. Yet, despite their remarkable spirit, they continue to face entrenched discrimination and challenges that hinder their ability to thrive. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to invest in their well-being.
By investing through a donation, your gift will accelerate the progress of addressing these issues. Supporting women accelerates the progress of the family, community, and society!
For this year’s International Women’s Month, we celebrated two women leaders with albinism who have achieved great success in their communities: Mawunyo Yakor-Dagbah from Ghana and Maimouna Dene from Burkina Faso.
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ADVOCACY UPDATES:
- Joint Submission to the 74th Session of the CESCR
In January 2024, AAN jointly collaborated with the Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism (SLAPWA), the Sierra Leone Albinism Foundation (SLAF), and the Albinism Royal Foundation on a submission to the 74th Pre-Sessional Working Group Session of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR) on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism in Sierra Leone.
Read the Report (in English only)
- Response to a Call for Input: Submission Regarding the HRC Resolution Addressing Human Rights and Climate Change
AAN, in collaboration with albinism organizations from Benin, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia made a joint submission in response to a call for input to Human Rights Council (HRC) Resolution 53/6 on human rights and climate change.
Read the Report (in English only)
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A Stakeholder’s Engagement, Advocating for the National Action Plan on Albinism in Tanzania
AAN supported a Stakeholder’s Engagement workshop focusing on people with albinism in Tanzania, which took place on February 8th, 2024. This workshop was organized by the UN Independent Expert on Albinism and the United Nations office in Tanzania. View here
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Report to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Zambia
In February 2024, AAN and the Albinism Multipurpose Organization jointly submitted a report on the situation of persons with albinism in Zambia to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) for the review of Zambia.
Read the Report (in English only)
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Submission in Response to a Call by OHCHR: Climate Change and the Right to Education of the Girl Child
In March 2024, AAN submitted a report in response to a call by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on how climate change can impact the realization of the equal enjoyment of the right to education by every girl.
Read the Report (in English only)
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National Disability Week in Namibia
In March 2024, AAN’s Advocacy Manager, Kwame Andrews Daklo, presented at the Namibia National Disability Week celebration, highlighting key best practices for Namibia to adopt. These best practices include:
- Developing and implementing a National Action Plan on Albinism with a budget that aligns with the AU Plan of Action (2021-2031).
- Integrating albinism beyond disability into movements for women’s and children’s rights and the movement for human rights defenders will foster cross-movement collaboration.
- Ensure policies for persons with disabilities include persons with albinism.
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55th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC)
(In English only. You may use the subtitles tool on YouTube to access the same in French and Portuguese)
On March 6, 2024, AAN issued a statement presented to the Human Rights Council by Baidon Chandipo, the Executive Director of the Albinism Foundation of Zambia (AFZ). AAN applauds the efforts of the Independent Expert on Albinism, whose recent report sheds light on the unique challenges faced by people with albinism in the thematic area of the Rights to Education for Persons with Albinism.
The report highlights that while progress is being made, collective action is urgently needed to dismantle the barriers that impede access to quality education and the full participation of persons with albinism in society.
Download the Full Report (in English only)
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AAN’s participation at the Advanced Human Rights Course: Disability Rights in an African Context
In March 2024, Kwame Andrews Daklo gave a presentation titled “Addressing Human Rights Violations Against Persons with Albinism in Africa: How Far Have We Come?” This took place at the Advanced Human Rights Course: Disability Rights in an African Context, held at the University of Pretoria, Centre for Human Rights, South Africa.
In his report, Kwame emphasized that addressing the human rights violations of people with albinism in Africa requires a multifaceted approach that combines legal reforms, educational initiatives, and community engagement.
Should you be willing to contribute to future reports, please contact us at info@africaalbinismnetwork.org
AROUND THE NETWORK:
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2023 In Visuals
Take a deep dive into the moments that shaped 2023. Together, we will continue to strive to advocate for the rights and well-being of people with albinism in Africa.
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Shining Light on the Invisible Battle: Skin Cancer and Albinism in Africa
Did you know that according to the WHO, the prevalence of skin cancer has been on the rise globally?
While conversations on climate change are a central topic in the high-level political arena in Africa, the relationship between climate change and persons with albinism needs to be included. Given that persons with albinism face heightened vulnerabilities amidst climate change, protective strategies must encompass investments in skin cancer prevention programs, treatment, research, and the production of sunblock, particularly within the health and education sectors.
Read the Blog
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Amplifying Impact: Inside the World of Albinism Advocacy with Peter Ogik
In a world where diversity often faces misconceptions and discrimination, Peter Ogik stands tall as a beacon of hope and change. With unwavering dedication, he’s raising awareness and fostering understanding and acceptance for people with albinism in Africa. Read the Blog
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Advocacy Success Checklist for Women Impacted by Albinism
Are you a woman with albinism who leads your organization or works in civil society? Are you a funder interested in engaging women with albinism in their advocacy efforts and supporting their empowerment? Then this comprehensive checklist could be a valuable resource for you.
Download: English, French, Portuguese
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Interested in Exploring our Resource Page?
Check out our rich library of more than 500 resources, including French and Portuguese materials, and find ways to impact the albinism community positively.
IN OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:
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International Albinism Awareness Day is Coming: June 13
June 13 is approaching fast! The theme shared by the UN Expert for 2024 is 10 YEARS OF IAAD: A DECADE OF COLLECTIVE PROGRESS with the hashtag #10IAAD #AlbinismDay
Over the past ten years, IAAD has been a beacon of awareness, fostering worldwide empathy and inclusion. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we have shattered barriers, challenged stigmas, and celebrated the unique contributions of people with albinism.
- Attacks
Since our last quarterly newsletter in December, new cases of attack have been reported in Malawi, Mozambique, 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 on Albinism.
To report a case, fill out this form: AAN Incident Report Form in English, French, Portuguese
Download: New Case of Attack in English, French, Portuguese
IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
- Congratulations to Ms. Nnene Bassey on being appointed Special Assistant on Disability Rights in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. An appointment of this nature holds the potential to spearhead pivotal changes and be a beacon of hope for people with albinism across Nigeria.
- Congratulations, Byno Ayoni, on emerging as the TV3 Ghana Mentor Show winner. This incredible victory is a testament to your undeniable talent, resilience, and the power of breaking barriers.
- Congratulations to Bonface Massah on his appointment as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the Federation of Disability Organizations in Malawi (FEDOMA). We celebrate his achievements and look forward to witnessing the continued impact he will undoubtedly make in the years to come.
- Congratulations to Steven Chikosi and his team for their film White Yet Black, a film that reflects on the several challenges that people with albinism face, among them discrimination, rape, and being targeted for rituals, for winning the award for Outstanding Screen Production for a full-length documentary at the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) in Zimbabwe.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Your gift will help AAN support albinism groups and human rights defenders with albinism through capacity development so they can protect themselves from harm and access their rights to justice, health, education, and inclusion.
A gift of any amount will help and is a show of solidarity. Together, we can build an inclusive world for persons with albinism, free from brutality and discrimination. Donate here
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