Stop calling albinos derogatory names – Dyakugha
Report highlights protection measures
"Let's refer to such persons respectfully by their names as individuals, as they are individual persons before their condition," the Ombudsman said.
Ombudsman Basilius Dyakugha says those using hateful names and slurs towards people with albinism contribute to the violation of their right to dignity and should cease the act.
All lives matter, he said, during the presentation of a report on issues faced by persons with albinism in Namibia, which was launched at Ongwediva on Monday.
The report - launched in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) - provided recommendations of awareness campaigns on people with albinism for the public and service providers.
Dyakugha said hateful name-calling and slurs are degrading and inhumane.
“Respect of one’s dignity is at the core of human rights, humanity and ubuntu as Africans. Let’s do away with such hateful name-calling and slurs. Let’s refer to such persons respectfully by their names as individuals, as they are individual persons before their condition,” he advised.
Protect them
The United Nations (UN) has recommended strong measures to protect the rights of people with albinism, Dyakugha said.
One is for governments to come up with effective laws against the trafficking of body parts of people with albinism.
“To end the human rights violations of people with albinism, we need to start by addressing the legal vacuum when it comes to the trafficking of body parts.
“Earlier this year, we read in the media about suspected attempt to sell the hair of an albino person. I call upon the government and other stakeholders to address the root causes - such as the myths and misinformation about people with albinism,” the Ombudsman said.
He added that there will be no mercy for anyone terrorising people with the condition.
“Namibia is not a safe haven as we are now a global village. Communities should be vigilant and report [cases] to the police and regional leadership. We will not tolerate the abuse of our people,” he stressed.
Four pillars
Meanwhile, Unesco representative to Namibia, Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum, said the overarching objective of its regional action plan (2017-2021) was to monitor the true impact of efforts to protect and integrate persons with albinism by multiple stakeholders across Africa.
Namibia is no exception, he said, adding that the plan consisted of specific measures to realise the enjoyment of peace and human rights by those with the condition under four pillars: Prevention, protection, accountability and equality, and non-discrimination.
“I call upon the youth and civil society organisations to engage and join the efforts of the Africa Albinism Network to promote and advance an inclusive world for persons with albinism, free from brutality and discrimination for a more inclusive and just society,” he urged.
– [email protected]
All lives matter, he said, during the presentation of a report on issues faced by persons with albinism in Namibia, which was launched at Ongwediva on Monday.
The report - launched in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) - provided recommendations of awareness campaigns on people with albinism for the public and service providers.
Dyakugha said hateful name-calling and slurs are degrading and inhumane.
“Respect of one’s dignity is at the core of human rights, humanity and ubuntu as Africans. Let’s do away with such hateful name-calling and slurs. Let’s refer to such persons respectfully by their names as individuals, as they are individual persons before their condition,” he advised.
Protect them
The United Nations (UN) has recommended strong measures to protect the rights of people with albinism, Dyakugha said.
One is for governments to come up with effective laws against the trafficking of body parts of people with albinism.
“To end the human rights violations of people with albinism, we need to start by addressing the legal vacuum when it comes to the trafficking of body parts.
“Earlier this year, we read in the media about suspected attempt to sell the hair of an albino person. I call upon the government and other stakeholders to address the root causes - such as the myths and misinformation about people with albinism,” the Ombudsman said.
He added that there will be no mercy for anyone terrorising people with the condition.
“Namibia is not a safe haven as we are now a global village. Communities should be vigilant and report [cases] to the police and regional leadership. We will not tolerate the abuse of our people,” he stressed.
Four pillars
Meanwhile, Unesco representative to Namibia, Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum, said the overarching objective of its regional action plan (2017-2021) was to monitor the true impact of efforts to protect and integrate persons with albinism by multiple stakeholders across Africa.
Namibia is no exception, he said, adding that the plan consisted of specific measures to realise the enjoyment of peace and human rights by those with the condition under four pillars: Prevention, protection, accountability and equality, and non-discrimination.
“I call upon the youth and civil society organisations to engage and join the efforts of the Africa Albinism Network to promote and advance an inclusive world for persons with albinism, free from brutality and discrimination for a more inclusive and just society,” he urged.
– [email protected]
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