13 June is recognised globally as International Albinism Awareness Day, and South Africa joins the world in recognising and observing this day in partnership with persons with albinism. The 2020 theme for the day is Made To Shine.

The theme is chosen to celebrate the achievements and successes of persons with albinism worldwide, while at the same time, making a call to stand in solidarity with persons with albinism through their challenges. In this unprecedented time, persons with albinism continue to suffer human rights violations. Recently, in some countries, they have been branded ‘Corona’ or ‘COVID-19’ in an attempt to scapegoat them for the pandemic.

International Albinism Awareness Day calls for the prevention of attacks on persons with albinism, emphasizing that they should also enjoy inherent human rights. This day provides countries including ours, with the opportunity to focus on the challenges that persons with albinism face.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize has criticized the persistent stigmatisation and discrimination against persons with albinism leading to harmful practises such as ritual murders.

“We call upon all communities to ensure the protection and upholding of the rights of persons with albinism and for communities to help bring an end to all forms of attacks and discrimination against them,” said Deputy Minister Mkhize.

The White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted in December 2015 recognises albinism as an impairment that must be seen from a disability rights perspective.

The Development of the National Albinism Action Plan

The crafting of the National Albinism Action Plan on persons with albinism is currently underway and will be driven by government and civil society. This plan will be implemented throughout all spheres of Government.

The National Albinism Action Plan will align to the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) and the Hate Crime and Hate Speech Bills, Criminal Matters Act, Judicial Matters Act, Sexual Offences and Related Matters Bill, AU Regional Plan on Albinism, together with the AU Protocol on Disability and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities continues to work tirelessly to ensure mainstreaming of rights of persons with disabilities and for all other government departments to guarantee the protection of people with albinism and their full inclusion in social, economic and political life.

 “I urge all South Africans to observe this day with fortitude, empathy and unwavering support to persons with albinism. This call to action emphasises the need to assist persons with albinism to realise their potential, ability and achievements,” said Deputy Minister Mkhize.

Media Enquiries:
Mr Pelane Mabula-Phakgadi (Spokesperson for Deputy Minister Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize)
066 077 7116 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.(link sends e-mail)