Tackling the attacks faced by people with albinism

The first-ever regional forum for Action on Albinism in Africa took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 17-19 June. The event was hosted by the United Nations Independent Expert on Albinism, Ikponwosa Ero, and supported by the Embassy of Ireland and other donors.

People with albinism in Tanzania and the surrounding region face some of the most extreme forms of human rights violations. They face regular physical attacks, discrimination and stigma. The purpose of the Forum was to identify practical, simple and effective measures to deal with these challenges.

Over 150 people, representing governments, civil society organisations and national human right institutions gathered in Dar es Salaam to identify the specific measures that can be undertaken to deal with the human rights issues faced by persons with albinism. With 28 countries represented, the diversity of experience ensured that best practices from many contexts were shared.

Attending the event, Amabassador Fionnuala Gilsenan noted that equality, dignity and justice were at the heart of the call to action on albinism.