By Milcah Mathias
Blantyre, June 15, Mana: Association of Persons with Albinism (APAM) President, Young Muhamba, says the Association will keep on monitoring safety of persons with albinism as Malawi is heading towards general elections.
Muhamba said this ahead of the country’s commemoration of International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD).
He expressed concern that Malawi registered a lot of attacks and killings of persons with albinism in the previous election.
The global theme for this year is: Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives,
“However, this year, Malawi is guided by the theme; United for Peace and Inclusion: Strengthening Protection of Persons with Albinism During All Times, Including Elections,” he said.
According to Muhamba, APAM documented 223 cases and 62 percent of them were reported during the election period hence the localised theme for Malawi.
He said APAM has so far made various initiatives, including referring children with albinism to safer homes, lobbying non governmental organisations and various stakeholders to provide decent and secure houses and other devices that help provide safety to persons with albinism in their locations.
“Currently, 67 houses have been constructed by the Government of Malawi through Ministry of Lands,” he said.
IAAD is observed on June 13 globally but Malawi will commemorate the day on June 17 at Michongwe Primary School Ground in Machinga.
“Machinga is a hot spot district and our advocacy is to make sure that we reach rural communities where myths and misconceptions concerning persons with albinism are more frequent,” said Muhamba.
Disability Rights Advocate, Hilda Macheso, said every human being, including persons with albinism, deserve right to life, protection, and dignity.
She said government, partners and local leaders have the obligation to protect persons with albinism against attacks, killings and all forms violence.
On December 8, 2014 the United Nations General Assembly declared June 13 as IAAD with its first event held in 2015.
The day is held to celebrate human right of persons with albinism.
