Angola Adopts a National Action Plan on Albinism!
Congratulations Angola for adopting a National Action Plan that explicitly focuses on the protection of people with albinism in Angola. Read More Here
ADVOCACY UPDATES:
- Become a Human Rights Defender; Join the Movement!
Where do you start? How can you make your voice heard effectively? The answer lies in how you conduct your advocacy. Advocacy is about raising your voice strategically and with purpose. Read the mini advocacy toolkits here. (English only)
- Statement to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in Malawi by AAN and the Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM)
In July 2023, AAN and APAM jointly submitted a report during the 29th session of the CRPD review of Malawi. This report builds on the 2020 report submitted by Under the Sam Sun (UTSS) and APAM. The report calls upon Malawi to strengthen the implementation of the National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism and to create an enabling environment for the enjoyment of their rights, including the most fundamental, namely right to life. Read the full report here
-
Togo and Namibia’s Alternative Report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
In August 2023, at the 94th Pre-Sessional Working Group of the CRC, AAN, in a joint statement with the Association Nationale des Personnes Atteintes d’Albinisme au Togo (ANAT), submitted a report on Togo to highlight the multiple and intersecting barriers children with albinism face in accessing their human rights. The same was also submitted on Namibia for the 96th Pre-Sessional Working Group of the CRC. (These reports are only available in English). Read Full Reports here
-
AAN and APAM Joint Alternative Report to the Committee on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
Read AAN and APAM’s report about women impacted by albinism in Malawi submitted to CEDAW in September 2023 based on AAN’s research as well as firsthand information and experience of APAM. Read the full statement here. (English only)
Should you be willing to contribute to future reports, please contact us at info@africaalbinismnetwork.org
AROUND THE NETWORK:
-
First Human Rights Training for People with Albinism in Madagascar
In August 2023, AAN in partnership with UNICEF Madagascar, Albinos Madagascar, and OHCHR, conducted the first human rights training for the members of the Association Albinos Madagascar. Watch the video above to learn more.
-
How to Capture Your Audience’s Attention: Tips for Persuasive Speaking
Are you a person with albinism who wants to give a compelling speech in your advocacy or personal life – perhaps to secure that funding opportunity? Imagine a technique that allows you to speak in a way that resonates with every individual in the room, regardless of their background or temperament. Click here to find out how or watch the video below. (In English only. You may use the subtitles tool on YouTube to access the same in French and Portuguese).
-
Tips for Building a Successful Community Organization: The Story of Tanzania Albinism Society’s Morogoro Chapter
Learn valuable tips on how you can localize these ideas to grow your community organization. Read the Blog here
“Through a curated fundraising strategy, yearly stakeholder mapping, regular courtesy visits, and media relationships we have been able to engage and maintain our stakeholders and partners” – TAS Morogoro
-
AAN at the Linking and Learning Festival in Nairobi, Kenya
AAN, with its co-implementer in East Africa Karagwe Community Based Rehabilitation Program (KCBRP), participated in the Linking and Learning Festival hosted by Voice Global which took place from the 24th – 27th July 2023.
Voice Global is one of AAN’s funding partners and we are truly grateful for their support and the opportunities they create for learning exchanges across movements within and beyond albinism and disability. Learn more here
IN OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:
- Attacks
Since our last quarterly newsletter in July 2023, new cases of attacks have been reported in Malawi, Nigeria, 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 on albinism.
Download: New Cases of Attacks Here
-
Prevalence Of Albinism Worldwide: New Information
The use of data, including prevalence data, is an essential component for decision-making for people with albinism. In this report, Dr. Jennifer G.R. Kromberg and others show using diverse reliable literature, that the number of people with albinism worldwide is likely higher than previously estimated.
Read the Review Here
-
Got a Minute? Your Feedback is Important to Us
AAN will be conducting a 10 minute phone check-in survey with albinism organizations we have collaborated with to gather feedback and determine how best we can serve the movement. We’ll be reaching out to your organization this November.
-
Call for Input: OHCHR Social Development Challenges Faced by Persons with Albinism
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recently announced a call for input on the social development challenges faced by persons with albinism in their weekly Human Rights newsletter.
Send your submissions here
Deadline for Submissions: October 16, 2023
IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
- Congratulations are in order for Bonface Massah
Commissionaire Bonface Massah earned his MPhil in Disability Rights in Africa from the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria; he was also renamed as a Commissioner in Malawi’s Human Rights Commission. This is a win for the albinism community. An achievement like this will undoubtedly positively impact our collective advocacy.
- Congratulations are in order for François Kassanda Lumembu
François Kassanda Lumembu was appointed as the pioneer Secretary General of the Disability Ministry in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His dedication and vision have paved the way for positive change, and his leadership will undoubtedly make an impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities in Congo.
- Congratulations are in order for Isaac Mwaura Maigua
Honorary Isaac Mwaura Maigua was appointmented as a Government Spokesman under the administration of President Ruto. His journey in the Kenyan political space has been remarkable and we believe in his capacity to do much more for people with albinism and all Kenyans in this new role.
- Zambia Premiers its First Film on Albinism Titled “Can You See Us?”
“Can You See Us?” Is a film inspired by the life of John Chiti, a famous musician from Zambia who is also an activist and police commissioner. The film revolves around a boy with albinism, Joseph who undergoes many challenges in his childhood because of his albinism and shows how music and love become his solace and strength.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Your suport helps people with albinism in Africa to protect themselves. Donate here
Sign-up for our Quarterly Newsletter HERE
