By Thokozani Mazibuko
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has announced that the government of Eswatini will focus on raising awareness and educating everyone about the importance of providing equal opportunities to persons living with albinism
This initiative aims to ensure that individuals with albinism have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else and that they are treated with the utmost respect and dignity.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed these sentiments during the commemoration of the International Albinism Awareness Day held at Millennium Park in Manzini.
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During the event, the Deputy Prime Minister mentioned that June 13th is recognized globally as International Albinism Awareness Day.
The kingdom of Eswatini joins the world in observing this important day in partnership with persons living with albinism.
She noted that the legislative frameworks governing persons with disabilities in Eswatini are supportive. The theme for 2024 is “10 years of International Albinism Awareness Day, a decade of collective progress,”
inviting all to celebrate achievements, renew commitment for the future, and reflect on the changes required to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism.
Further, it was mentioned that persons with albinism worldwide face discrimination due to persistent cultural beliefs that perpetuate many false myths.
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Ritualized violence against people with albinism is on the rise, negatively affecting their lives
A few myths,
such as the belief that people with albinism do not die but simply vanish, perpetuate this violence.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that these myths are simply false and are used as a pretext for trading in them.