DEFEND OUR HUMAN RIGHTS, PROTECT OUR SKIN, PRESERVE OUR DIGNITY – NATIONAL ALBINISM TASK FORCE

By DSD News.

• National Albinism Awareness Month, held annually in September, is an opportunity for South Africans to stand with persons with albinism and create an inclusive society.
• Persons with albinism often face discrimination, stigma, and sometimes even violence simply because of their genetic condition and appearance.
• This year’s theme is “Defending our human rights, protecting our skin, and preserving our dignity”.

September is National Albinism Awareness Month in South Africa, which is being held under the theme “Defending our human rights, protecting our skin, and preserving our dignity”.

The theme speaks directly to the issues that impact persons with albinism daily and is a call to action for all South Africans to stand with persons with albinism in pursuit of a society that is inclusive, respectful, and protective of persons with albinism.

Defending the human rights of people with albinism is paramount.

Persons with albinism often face discrimination, stigma, and sometimes even violence simply because of their genetic condition and appearance, according to the national secretary of the National Albinism Task Force, Nontsikelelo Loteni.

“We must ensure our laws and policies protect us from harm and guarantee equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and all the freedoms enjoyed by every South African. Our human rights are not negotiable; they are our foundation.”

Of particular importance is that people with albinism have to protect their skin. “Protecting our skin is essential for our health and well-being,” Loteni added.

Albinism is a genetic condition that results in a deficiency of melanin, the pigment that protects the skin from sun damage. Without melanin, the skin is more vulnerable to the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, leading to a higher risk of skin cancer.

“Our skin is sensitive and vulnerable to the harsh sun, which puts us at risk of painful sunburns and life-threatening skin cancers,” said the Gauteng chairperson of the National Albinism Task Force, Piet Lengoabala.

Lengoabala, who is a skin cancer survivor, calls on the government and communities to improve access to sun protection products such as sunscreens, specialised healthcare, and education on skin care.

“Protecting our skin means protecting our lives and futures.”

National Albinism Awareness Month also calls on South Africans to treat people with albinism with dignity, respect, and understanding.

In March this year, the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Human Rights designed a toolkit on how to use the Equality Court to combat race and colour-based discrimination against persons with albinism in South Africa.

As the national chairperson of the National Albinism Task Force, Patrick Wadula, said: “We are not defined by our albinism; we are sons, daughters, friends, and colleagues with talents, dreams, and values.

“The dignity of persons with albinism must be upheld through awareness, acceptance, and celebration of our identity.”

He called on South Africans to build a country where persons with albinism live free from fear and prejudice, with the full enjoyment of their rights and opportunities, protected in their health, and honoured for their humanity.

“Together, we will defend our human rights, protect our skin, and preserve our dignity!”