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Persons with Albinism petition CHRAJ over discrimination against Albinos

The Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism (GAPA) has presented a petition to the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), calling for an end to discrimination against people living with albinism.

The petition was presented on the celebration of the International Albinism Awareness Day organised by Engage Now Africa, (ENA) a non-governmental organization.

ENA advocates for the rights of Persons with Albinism and create awareness for equality in terms of rights and privileges for persons with albinism.

Executive Director of Association of Persons with Albinism (GAPA), Newton K. Katseku, who presented the petition appealed to CHRAJ to consider the petition and enforce the rights of persons with albinism to enable them to take their rightful place society.

“The rights of persons with albinism have been violated for long and it is time for us to know our rights and for others to also know that we have rights enshrined in the constitution,” he said.

He called on stakeholders to support the advocacy to fight discrimination and violation of the rights of albinos.

Education Director of ENA, Francis Yaw Ansah, said the mission of the NGO was to create an inclusive society free of discrimination, stigmatisation and total elimination of the myth and misconception associated with albinism.

He disclosed that ENA has provided sunscreen lotion, protective clothing such as hats, long sleeves and sunglasses for persons with albinism to shield their bodies from the harsh weather conditions.

Mr Ansah asked persons with albinism to stand up for their rights and fight for their rightful place in the society.

Madam Lynnette Gay, the Chief Executive Officer of ENA, said persons with albinism should not be discouraged, but speak up for themselves whenever the need arises, adding that it was important they used their skills to make impact on the society.

Albinism is an inherited condition that happens as a result of lack of a pigment (melanin) in their skin, hair or eyes. Persons with albinism are prone to skin cancer due to the exposure to excessive sunlight.

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