GABORONE, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Wednesday called for a unanimous condemnation of all forms of abuse, prejudice and discrimination perpetrated against people with albinism.
The intergovernmental organization headquartered in Gaborone, capital of Botswana, joined the global community in commemorating the International Albinism Awareness Day.
Stergomena Lawrence Tax, SADC Executive Secretary, said in a statement that in many parts of the world, including Southern Africa, albinism is grossly misunderstood and people living with albinism continue to live in a constant state of fear, owing to the attacks, killings and societal prejudices against them.
She applauded SADC Member States that have put in place policy and legislation to protect people with Albinism.
"While appreciating the progress made, we need to further take concrete measures to protect the rights of people with Albinism. We must create an environment where people with Albinism can live and enjoy their economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights to their fullest potential," said Tax.
"We can only achieve this if we work together with utmost resolve and renewed commitment," said Tax.
Sergeant Kgosietsile, Albinism Society of Botswana chairperson, said that the significance of the event is to bring to light the multifaceted discrimination experienced by people with albinism social and medical.