Overview

In July 2019, during its thirty-fifth ordinary session, the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) decided to adopt a Plan of Action to End Attacks and Other Human Rights Violations Targeting Persons with Albinism in Africa, (Plan of Action 2021-2031) making it a continent-wide strategy. The AU also decided that a Special Envoy on Albinism would be appointed to ensure the implementation of the Plan of Action. It’s therefore been our mandate to support organizations representing persons with albinism in Africa to implement the African Union Plan of Action to End Attacks and other Human Rights Violations Targeting Persons with Albinism in Africa (2021-2031). National Action Plans adopted to date can be found in our Resources page.

Implementation Map

Browse the map to see the status of implementation of the African Union Plan of Action to End Attacks and Other Human Rights Violations Targeting Persons with Albinism in Africa (2021-2031) through National Action Plans.

African Union Plan of Action on Albinism  (2021-2031)

The tables in the Plan of Action set out the activities necessary to achieve the goals of the Plan of Action. The overall time frame is 10 years from 2021 to 2031.

The responsible entities are, in the first place, Member States, ministries, partner organizations and other stakeholders, which may differ from country to country.

Indicators and possible data sources are included in the Plan of Action. It is believed that in illuminating the different components of action in this manner, policy planners and implementers will be assisted in adapting the Plan of Action to the specific context, country or region.

Read the African Union Plan of Action (2021-2031) here in:

History of the African Union Plan of Action (2021-2031)

Context

Since 2006, nearly over 800 attacks and other violations against persons with albinism have been reported across 28 countries in the Africa region. These numbers reflect a major threat to the right to life of persons with albinism on the continent. This is only the tip of the iceberg as very many other cases go unreported. In an effort to combat these violations, including alleviating preconditions which facilitate violence, the United Nations Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Persons with Albinism, in collaboration with various African Union mechanisms including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, as well as other international development partners, contributed to the development of a Regional Action Plan, the precursor to the current Plan of Action (2021 – 2030).

Main landmarks

The Regional Action Plan (2017-2021) was the first-ever regional mechanism to proactively address eradicating discrimination and violence against persons with albinism in Sub-Saharan Africa. Its overarching objective was to monitor the true impact of efforts to protect and integrate persons with albinism by multiple stakeholders across Africa. In particular, the plan consisted of specific measures to realize the enjoyment of peace and human rights by persons with albinism. The Plan had four main pillars that have been carried over into the current AU Plan of Action. These are: prevention, protection, accountability, and equality and non-discrimination.  

African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights endorses the Regional Action Plan on Albinism in Africa (2017-2021)

May 2017

In its resolution endorsing the Plan, the Commission urged States to adopt and implement the Regional Action Plan and to ensure the effective protection and promotion of the rights of persons with albinism and members of their families. It also invited organs and bodies of the African Union to give due regard to the Regional Action Plan within their mandates. 

EU welcomes the Regional Action Plan as a positive and sustainable step

October 2017

The European Parliament in its resolution on the Regional Action Plan expressed deep concern at the continuing and far-reaching discrimination and persecution faced by persons with albinism in Africa and condemned any inhuman and degrading treatment suffered by persons with albinism. They called for  immediate and effective implementation of the Regional Action Plan. EU Member States were encouraged to keep engaging with affected countries to support policies which uphold the rights of persons with albinism. 

UN Independent Expert presented the Regional Action Plan to the Human Rights Council

March 2018

Read the report here

The Pan-African Parliament also endorsed the Regional Action Plan via resolution (PAP.4/PLN/RES/05/MAY.18)

May 2018

Development and Validation of the Implementation strategy for the Plan of Action

November 2021

Under the leadership of the African Union (Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development) in collaboration with the UN Independent Expert on albinism, scores of civil society organizations representing person with albinism across Africa, developed and validated an implementation strategy for the Plan of Action. This strategy was embedded into the extant AU Plan of Action (2021-2031) to encourage clarity and immediate adoption into national legislation/policy frameworks and to facilitate implementation. 

Evaluation of the Regional Action Plan (2017 – 2021)

July 2021

At the end of its 5-year span, the Regional Action Plan (2017 – 2021) was evaluated by the UN Independent Expert and affiliates. Read that report here

Introduction of African Union Plan of Action (2021-2031)

July 2021

The Regional Action Plan ended a nd the African Union Plan of Action (2021-2031) took over.