Human Rights Resolution on People with Albinism

This month the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights adopted the first-ever resolution on people with albinism. Albinism is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the lack of pigmentation in the skin. People with albinism also frequently suffer from vision disorders. Albinism affects people of all ethnic backgrounds, although the prevalence is highest overall among people of sub-Saharan African descent.

People with albinism have faced discrimination and violence in Africa. A news story from WorldNews on NBC describes how in rural parts of Tanzania, some people believe that using the body parts of people with albinism in spells will ensure wealth.  This superstition has led to attacks on children and adults with albinism. In addition to threats of physical violence, people with albinism face discrimination in education and employment.

Read more about the African Commission resolution on AllAfrica.com, which is an excellent resource for news, blogs, and data about Africa.