GOVERNMENT says it is greatly concerned about the challenges people with albinism face countrywide.
Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Paul Thole, says persons with albinism in the province and the country at large have challenges in accessing justice when their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights are violated.
ZANIS reports that Mr Thole said this in a speech read for him by Senior Human Resource Development Officer, George Machayi, during the launch of the Access to Justice for Persons with Albinism.
Mr Thole said access to justice meant equal entitlement of all individuals to fair and effective participation in legal proceedings and remedies.
“This has been a source of great concern to the Government, the traditional leadership and the community at large. This situation must be addressed urgently with concrete measures, policies and legal reforms where necessary,” he said.
Mr Thole noted that access to justice for violations of rights requires that such violations are investigated and that suspected perpetrators are prosecuted and if found guilty, they get convicted or sentenced appropriately.
He added that access to justice encompasses judicial recourse, as well as the availability of other accessible, affordable, timely and effective means of redress or remedy.
Mr Thole commended Cheshire Homes Society for choosing Eastern Province to be among the four provinces in which the Out of Shadows for Good project was being implemented.
“Government takes matters of human rights very seriously and has therefore ratified all important treaties at the United Nations pertaining to the rights of our people,” he said.
Mr Thole observed that attacks against persons with albinism constitute a violation of the right to equality and non-discrimination as they are carried out due to their appearance or skin colour.
“Many players in the justice system such as lawyers, prosecutors, criminal investigation officers, paralegals, social welfare officers and health practitioners, including human rights defenders have inadequate knowledge and understanding of albinism and how they can effectively play a role in protecting persons with albinism as well as facilitating their meaningful access to justice,” he said.
And Out of Shadows for Good Project Coordinator, Sharon Handongwe, said the workshop is important as it addresses a vital issue that will help in ensuring that individuals with albinism have the full, equal, and meaningful access to their rights and the justice system they deserve.
“As we all know, persons with albinism face significant challenges, not just in terms of physical health, but also in accessing basic human rights.
“They often encounter discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these barriers are dismantled and that the justice system is inclusive, responsive, and effective for all members of society, irrespective of their background or condition,” she said.
Ms Handongwe said the stakeholders attending the meeting will explore strategies, share experiences, and collaborate to ensure that persons with albinism are not only protected under the law, but that their voices are heard, their dignity upheld, and their rights fully realised.
“We thank all of you for your commitment to this important cause and look forward to the conversations and solutions that will emerge from the sessions.
“Together, we can take concrete steps towards a more just and equitable society for everyone,” she said.
