By Chimezie Udechukwu
Sir: In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution approving June 13 as the International Albinism Awareness Day.
It started in 2015. It also approved a six year mandate for Ms Ikponwosa Ero to serve as the UN independent expert on the enjoyment of rights by Persons With Albinism (PWA).
This was after a heated debate on the plight of PWAs globally, particularly in some parts of Africa.
It is said that globally, one in every 20,000 people have albinism, while there are over four million PWAs in Nigeria. Sometimes just the eyes are affected.
Sometimes there is no pigment and the eyes, hair and skin are white and pale. Sometimes there is some pigment, but not what is typical for a specific race. There are two types of albinism, but many more misconceptions about PWAs.
People with albinism face multiple forms of discrimination worldwide. Albinism is still profoundly misunderstood, socially and medically.
The physical appearance of persons with albinism is often the object of erroneous beliefs and myths influenced by superstition, which foster their marginalisation and social exclusion.
This leads to various forms of stigma, discrimination, exclusion and other forms of inequality and human rights violation simply because of their complexion.
Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited difference present at birth. In almost all types of albinism, both parents must carry the gene for it to be passed on, even if they do not have albinism themselves.
The condition is found in both sexes regardless of ethnicity and in all countries of the world. Albinism results in a lack of pigmentation (melanin) in the hair, skin and eyes, causing vulnerability to the sun and bright light.
But, PWAs across the world are excelling in their chosen careers. Hence, when we fail to look beyond the complexion, we wallow in the pit of shameful assumptions and suppositions.
To have an impression, you don’t need to look at my complexion. Draw close, engage me and then draw your conclusions.
Don’t hunt me like an animal because you think I possess the cure for HIV or, that I have powers to help you become rich.
For parents with PWAs as children, your children are not cursed neither are they unhealthy. It is your actions that can make them become cursed or unhealthy.
Your kids are not ghosts so don’t abandon them in refuse dumps or even deny them basic love and care. They deserve a foundation steeped in familial love and warmth expressed by your willingness to treat them right so that they can aspire to whatever heights they wish.
As Malcolm X once said; “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against.
I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” Malcolm X.
This is what democracy is all about, the promotion and protection of human rights.
- Chimezie Udechukwu, Lagos.
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