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Persons with albinism: Kenya on the way to becoming champs

Kenya has recorded significant success in responding to attacks against persons with albinism and discrimination in the health sector but must do much more in other areas like access to justice, says a UN expert.

Presenting a statement at the end of a mission to Kenya, the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, Ikponwosa Ero, welcomed some of Kenya’s unique achievements, saying the country was set to become one of the leaders on the issue in the region.

“Kenya’s successes include the allocation of a substantial annual budget geared toward specific measures for persons with albinism, who had historically been left behind in the key sectors of health and education and had fallen prey to ritual attacks and the consequent insecurities,” she said.

“However, much remains to be done including access to justice and judicial remedies for victims of attack as well as socio-economic support for victims and their families to help restore their lives,” the expert added.

“There is also a great need for protection measures in border areas like Migori and Taita Taveta counties, where fear of attack remains high.”

“It is essential to undertake an intense and widespread sensitization campaign across the country, particularly in rural communities to ensure that the conditions that create attacks in the first place are dealt with,” Ms Ero said.

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“There is also a need for reasonable accommodation to help persons with albinism. In particular, the provision of devices to aid those with vision impairment which is often the case for persons with albinism. The provision of such devices would help break down significant barriers to education and finding indoor employment. Hospitals that dispense sunscreen are also inaccessible to many people with the condition because of poverty and distance.

“I welcome the Government’s plans to remedy these barriers, particularly in the provision of visual aids and I strongly encourage it to consider producing sunscreen locally to enhance access and provide a source of employment for persons with albinism,” the expert emphasized.

“I also urge Kenya to create a brief but comprehensive national action plan, in line with the Regional Action Plan, to end violence and violations against persons with albinism as recommended by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“The UN Sustainable Development Goals have a central pledge to leave no one behind, beginning with those who are furthest behind. I am convinced that Kenya is exemplifying this key principle. With improvements and continuity in its current positive trajectories, it will show the world some of the best practices for bringing those who are marginalized out of the fringes,” Ms Ero said.

The Independent Expert will present a comprehensive report of her visit to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2019.

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