FODPZ Stands in Solidarity with Persons with Albinism on International Albinism Awareness Day

By Leeroy Mupariri

As the world commemorates International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) on June 13, 2025, the Federation of Organisations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODPZ) stands in unwavering solidarity with persons with albinism across the country, the continent, and the world. This year’s theme, “Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives,” echoes the urgent call to action for governments, development actors, civil society, and communities to recognize and uphold the inherent dignity, rights, and full inclusion of persons with albinism in all spheres of life.

The current reality for persons with albinism in Zimbabwe is marked by significant challenges. Despite constitutional guarantees and progressive frameworks such as the National Disability Policy (2021) and Zimbabwe’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with albinism continue to face deeply entrenched discrimination, harmful cultural beliefs, marginalization, and limited access to essential services.

One of the most pressing issues is healthcare inaccessibility. Persons with albinism face challenges in accessing dermatological care, sunscreen products, and early screening for skin cancer, which directly undermines their right to health and life. Furthermore, education barriers persist, with vision impairments linked to albinism, coupled with inaccessible learning materials and a lack of teacher training, reducing educational opportunities for learners with albinism.

In addition to these challenges, persons with albinism also face stigma and safety risks. Cultural myths and targeted violence against persons with albinism remain prevalent in some communities, posing serious threats to their safety and psychological wellbeing. The FODPZ is deeply concerned about these issues and is calling for immediate action to address them.

To address these challenges, FODPZ is calling for several key actions. Firstly, the organization is urging the government to accelerate the full implementation of the National Disability Policy and enactment of UNCRPD and Africa Disability Protocol (ADP) compliant legislation. This would ensure dedicated resources for the protection and empowerment of persons with albinism.

FODPZ is also calling for the institutionalization of free or subsidized sunscreen lotions, cancer screening, and treatment, as well as dermatological care through public health facilities. Additionally, the organization is advocating for investment in assistive technologies and capacity-building of educators to support inclusive education for learners with albinism.

Furthermore, FODPZ believes that public awareness and stigma eradication are crucial in promoting social acceptance, respect, dignity, and social inclusion of persons with albinism. The organization is calling for strengthened nationwide campaigns to dismantle myths and harmful beliefs surrounding albinism.

In terms of legal protection and safety, FODPZ is urging the government to enhance enforcement of existing laws that protect persons with albinism from hate crimes, ritual crimes, abductions, and other forms of violence. Finally, the organization believes that persons with albinism should be actively involved in all development planning, policy formulation, and implementation processes, in line with the principle of “Nothing About Us, Without Us.”

The Zimbabwean Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want all affirm the right of every individual to live free from discrimination and fully participate in society. FODPZ believes that true inclusion can only be achieved when persons with albinism enjoy the same rights, opportunities, and dignity as all others.

In solidarity with persons with albinism, FODPZ reaffirms its commitment to advocating for their rights as an integral part of the disability movement. Let us protect their skin, preserve their lives, and promote their full inclusion in national development.