The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has joined the global community in calling for more efforts to raise awareness of the rights of persons living with albinism.
Albinism is a genetic condition that affects around one in 4,000 people in South Africa.
It is a rare condition that can result in a lack of melanin pigment. People with albinism in South Africa are considered to have a lifelong physical impairment and disability.
Equal rights and access to opportunities
The department’s director-general, Advocate Mikateko Maluleke, elaborated on the condition and issues around it. She said access to adequate learning, economic opportunities and employment remains a challenge for learners and youth with disabilities. These include people living with albinism in South Africa.
“The National Albinism Task Force in South Africa and Amnesty International called on the South African government to take action. The call to take immediate steps to respect, promote, and fulfil all the rights of persons with albinism. To also ensure that all those who violate such rights are held accountable.
“For this reason, we call on all the youth of South Africa to support all the youth programmes and initiatives. These are from civil society; government, and the private sector. The initiatives are… aimed at educating and creating awareness on albinism,” Maluleke said.
Constitution protects all
Maluleke highlighted that the country’s Constitution guarantees that everyone has the right to life. It emphasises that people with disabilities, especially youth, are at risk and require specific measures to protect this right.
“The department… continues to encourage civil society organisations and the private sector. They are urged to invest in public educational programmes around the subject. Programmes that will help to dispel the misconception and discriminatory practices on albinism. [These are implemented] through the department’s Disabilities Rights Awareness Campaign,” Maluleke said.
- SAnews.gov.za
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