People with albinism have long faced systemic discrimination, social exclusion, and targeted violence, particularly in various parts of the African continent. These violations are rooted in deeply entrenched myths, stigma, and ignorance, and are perpetuated by a lack of access to adequate healthcare, education, employment, and legal protection.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) establish the foundational principles of equality, non-discrimination, and the full and effective participation of all persons in society. The CRPD mandates that state parties recognise persons with disabilities, including those with albinism, as rights-holders entitled to equal protection under the law and active inclusion in all spheres of life.

The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and its Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa underscore the African Union’s commitment to the protection of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Moreover, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has adopted specific Resolutions on the Attacks Against Persons with Albinism, condemning ritual-related killings and calling for enhanced protective measures and legal reforms.

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa enshrines the right to equality, dignity, and freedom from discrimination. These constitutional protections are bolstered by the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA), which explicitly prohibits unfair discrimination on the grounds of disability, including albinism.

Yet, despite these legal guarantees, persons with albinism in South Africa continue to face barriers to education, health, employment, and safety. We therefore call on all stakeholders – public institutions, private entities, community leaders, and citizens – to take proactive steps to:

• Recognise albinism explicitly within all disability-related laws and policies to ensure tailored protection and services;
• Expedite the adoption and implementation of the National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism (NAP) through meaningful consultation with affected communities;
• Fast-track the enactment of the Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, with specific provisions addressing ritual-related attacks and hate-based violence against persons with albinism;
• Improve data collection on incidents of discrimination and violence against persons with albinism to inform effective policy responses;
• Collaborate with organisations such as the South African National Albinism Task Force to ensure that persons with albinism participate actively in shaping laws, policies, and service delivery frameworks.

As we commemorate this day, the SAHRC reaffirm that the rights of persons with albinism are human rights, and any delay in addressing the legislative and policy shortcomings constitutes an injustice. The SAHRC remains committed to working alongside all stakeholders to secure a safer, more inclusive, and rights-based future for persons with albinism in South Africa.