Persons with albinism (PwAs) in Zambia say their greatest threat is not their genetic condition but ignorance, myths, and harmful beliefs that persist in some communities. These false views have led to violence, stigmatization, and discrimination against albinos.
The Zambia Albinism Alliance (ZAA) Secretary General, Price Chibwe, said PwAs face multiple human rights challenges. These include extreme poverty, social exclusion, witchcraft accusations, ritual attacks, and violence at the hands of able-bodied persons. Such harmful practices violate international human rights principles and must be firmly rejected.
Chibwe called for urgent action to protect people with albinism. He urged the government and stakeholders to develop protection plans that include psychosocial support, access to quality healthcare, and measures to combat discrimination, human trafficking, and organ harvesting.
Speaking during International Albinism Awareness Day in Lusaka, Chibwe emphasized the need for national and international awareness campaigns and legal reforms. The 2025 theme, “Empowering the future; celebrating albinos in every shade,” highlights the importance of social inclusion, especially for children with albinism in schools.
Lusaka District Commissioner Rose Zulu acknowledged the government’s concern over violence against PwAs. She noted cases of killings, abductions, mutilations, infanticide, verbal abuse, and bullying targeting persons with albinism. Zulu assured that government strategies aligned with United Nations measures aim to protect PwAs and uphold their rights.
“Persons with albinism are our friends, family members, and community. They deserve respect and dignity,” Zulu said.
Anne Mbewe-Anamela, Executive Director of the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council, called for Zambia to ratify the African Disability Protocol. She stressed this would improve access to healthcare, education, and employment for people with albinism. Mbewe-Anamela’s representative highlighted that female albinos often face greater challenges than males.
Pauline Siame, a mother from Chongwe district, spoke of ongoing human rights abuses against PwAs. She revealed that even after death, graves of persons with albinism risk exhumation for body parts used in rituals and illegal trade.
The experiences of PwAs in Zambia underline the urgent need for awareness, protection, and inclusion. Addressing myths and harmful beliefs is critical to ending violence and discrimination. This will ensure persons with albinism can live free from fear, with equal rights and dignity.