"Urgent action is needed to make our cities and communities safer for
persons with albinism", he said.
His office he added is going to intensify awareness campaigns on discrimination and other challenges faced by
persons with albinism.
Due to the lack of melanin in the eyes,
persons with albinism also have permanent visual impairment that often leads to disabilities.
For years, a variety of nongovernmental organizations have been advocating on behalf of
persons with albinism. For example, Under the Same Sun is a nonprofit organization established in Canada with offices in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
"The government has launched a crackdown on witch doctors and traditional healers who are responsible for orchestrating attacks against
persons with albinism. Almost 200 witch doctors and traditional healers have been arrested and 123 have been arraigned."
Persons with albinism form part of under-represented groups.
International Albinism Awareness Day was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 18, 2014.The resolution 'encourages UN Member States to continue their efforts to protect and preserve the rights of
persons with albinism to life, dignity and security, as well as their right not to be subject to torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and to continue their efforts to ensure equal access for
persons with albinism to employment, education, justice and the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health.'
As we commemorate International Albinism Awareness Day today, we all know that
persons with albinism are often noticed by many but truly seen by very few.
It is of no surprise therefore that when fame and fortune came calling due to his talent and as one of the greatest African musicians of his time, he founded The Salif Keita Global Foundation for the Fair Treatment of
Persons with Albinism (SKGF).
Persons with albinism face bullying, prejudice and violence in many parts of the world.
The abuse is linked to the belief that body parts of
persons with albinism could produce wealth and good luck when used in witchcraft potions.
The first-ever United Nations-sponsored regional forum for Action on Albinism in Africa will take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 17 to 19 June to develop specific measures to tackle the attacks and discrimination faced by
persons with albinism in several countries in the region.
