2023 International Albinism Awareness Day: PAN Boss Abbey Canvasses More Attention For Albinos From World Leaders

IKPO IGBINOBA 

As the world celebrates the International Albinism Awareness Day on Monday, a prominent member of the Albino community has called on governments to do more for the group.

Co-ordinator of the Proudly Albino Network, PAN, Miss Esther Abbey lamented what she described as “governments’ indifference to the pathetic plight of people living with Albinism across the globe”.

Speaking in Lagos, Miss Abbey noted that in spite of the United Nations General Assembly declaration of June 13 as the International Albinism Awareness Day in 2014, governments were still  paying lip service to the challenges confronting the special group.

According to her “On December 18, 2014, the United Nations General Association, UNGA, adopted a resolution establishing June 13 as International Albinism Day”

“The intention for establishing the date was to address the issues confronting people living with Albinism like human rights violations and discriminations.

She lamented “But sadly nothing has changed for the Albinos since that day in December in 2014”

Miss Abbey said people living with Albinism still suffer all types of human rights violations and discrimination adding that “governments continue to remain indifferent to the plight of Albinos.

“All we have been getting on June 13 every year since 2014 are beautiful speeches by world leaders. 

“Unfortunately, those beautiful speeches are not backed by action. Those speeches have remained mere words; just empty words”

The advocacy group head said the indifference of governments has put the Albinos in a very dangerous situation especially in sub Sahara Africa.

“Due to the failure of governments in the areas of massive campaign and enlightenment, several communities on the African continent still believe that the Albino blood could be used for money rituals.

In some other communities, they still believe that the Albino child should not live because it is an evil spirit”

“These are ancient beliefs that governments should have addressed but have failed to do; thus putting our lives in danger”.

“Employers of labour also discriminate against us. In fact we are discriminated against even at family level”.

The PAN co-ordinator appealed to different governments across the world to put policies and legislation in place to protect the Albinos from a very hostile world.

She also had a word for Albinos as Nigerians begin the countdown to the 2023 General Elections.

“Once again, I would like to seize this occasion to appeal to my fellow Albinos to get their Permanent Voters Card(pvc) so that they can vote in the 2023 General Elections”.

“With our population of almost three million, we can influence the outcome of the elections by voting massively. We should only vote for a candidate who has an Albino-friendly manifesto”.

 Miss Abbey added “Let’s as Albinos, proud of who we are take our destiny in our hands by ensuring that we vote in 2023”.