In an effort by the United Nations to end the abuse of albinos, June 13 is marked as International Albinism Awareness Day.
The day is observed to raise global awareness about albinism.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Albinism is a genetic condition of hypo-pigmentation caused by an abnormality in melanin pigment production.
Today the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) led Kenyans around the country in celebrating albinism awareness.
This year's theme "10 years of IAAD: A decade of collective progress" celebrates the progress made and calls for continued commitment to ensure the rights of people with albinism.
The theme underscores the importance of inclusivity, celebrating the involvement of youth, children, women, older people and people with albinism from diverse backgrounds in the decision-making process that affects them.
KNCHR today endorses that the office of the attorney general and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection should swiftly adopt and implement the Kenya National Action Plan on Albinism 2023-28.
Further, the government should implement the recommendations made by the former UN Independent expert, Ikponwosa Ero, on the human rights of persons with albinism, from her 2019 visit to Kenya.
It recommends that the government should establish a task force on albinism and appoint a special advisor on albinism.
It adds that in line with the constitutional requirements for at least five per cent representation of persons with disabilities in elective and appointive bodies, persons with disabilities should be considered on merit.
It recommends that the government increase funding for the National Albinism Sunscreen Support Programme (NASSP) under the National Council for Persons with Albinism.
It further advocates that the Ministry of Education, KICD, KNEC, schools, and technical institutions should raise awareness about albinism and provide reasonable accommodations to ensure inclusive participation of learners and trainees with albinism.
It suggests that both State and non-state actors should intensify efforts in awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and discrimination against persons with albinism.
It also puts forward that law enforcement agencies should deter, investigate, and prosecute perpetrators of ritual attacks targeting persons with albinism.
A statement released on Wednesday by KNCHR chairperson Roseline Odede highlighted that significant progress has been made in Kenya, including the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, which, for the first time, included albinism as a disability category, revealing at least 9,729 persons with albinism in Kenya.
"This aligns with Article 35, which ensures the right to access information, and helps in planning and resource allocation for persons with albinism," she said.
"Despite progress, a 2022 study by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights found that myths and misconceptions about albinism persist leading to poverty and exclusion."
"Key areas requiring attention including the rights to life, health, education, economic empowerment, and access to justice, as enshrined in Articles 26, 43, 53, and 48 of the Constitution," she added.
Odede also acknowledged the development of the Kenya National Action Plan on Albinism 2023-2028, in collaboration with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), aiming to mirror regional and global action plans.
"This Action Plan mirrors the Regional Action Plan on Albinism in Africa 2017-2021 and the African Union Plan of Action to End Attacks and Other Human Rights Violations Targeting Persons with Albinism in Africa (2021- 2031)," she said.
She further added that KNCHR welcomes the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2023, which recognises albinism as a disability and calls for its prompt enactment by Parliament.
"This supports the constitutional mandate of Article 54, ensuring the protection and inclusion of persons with disabilities," she said.
Odede further called for enhanced inclusion of persons with albinism in Kenya's socio-economic, cultural, and political spheres, ensuring they enjoy full and equal rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
