Different milestones have for long been put up as rules to fight and stop violations and discrimination among persons with Albinism. The Government has further extended a hand to stand with the Albinism fraternity as it launched the National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism.
This Action Plan has been designed to ensure equality, non-discrimination, inclusion and participation of persons with Albinism.
The National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism (NAPPWA) seeks to promote and protect the human rights of Persons with Albinism. The goal of the Action Plan is to eliminate human rights violations and abuses of all Persons with Albinism anywhere in Uganda and the fundamental objectives are:
Inclusion: The goal of the National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism conforms to the objective of promoting an inclusive society in which persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged persons can participate in all activities of society of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Inclusion means that steps should be taken to ensure that the lives of Persons with Albinism will differ as little as possible from those of other persons.
Participation: Persons with Albinism will be involved from the initial stages of all plans which are relevant to them and subsequently consulted, on an on-going basis, during the implementation of the plans.
Independence: Persons with Albinism should be enabled to grow, develop and live an independent life in dignity and should be able to effectively participate in society.
Equal opportunities and equal treatment: Persons with Albinism must not be discriminated against or excluded from all social services particularly in the field of education, health and employment and socially. The National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism shall strengthen their rights in these aspects.
Recognition and respect for diversity: The National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism shall promote the general recognition of the reality that Persons with Albinism form part of diversity in the Ugandan society. They must be recognized and treated as human beings and appreciated within society. All false images, myths and superstitions about the reality of their lives and status should be demystified and corrected.
Albinism mainstreaming: All issues and concerns of Persons with Albinism shall be mainstreamed in all plans and activities of the national and local governments with the objective of promoting and protecting the rights of Persons with Albinism. To that end policies, laws and programmes will respect the principles and objectives of this National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism.
Self-advocacy: The self-confidence of Persons with Albinism shall be promoted and strengthened through the promotion of self-advocacy programmes, and in particular implementing programmes that ensure they participate, are seen and get heard in society.
According Olive Namutebi, Executive Director Albinism Umbrella, the Action Plan for the Albinism fraternity is like a sign of relief for persons with albinism as they will be able to live normal lives like any other human.
Having the government embrace the National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism is a great sign indicating the wide range of awareness through different activities and inclusion for Persons with Albinism in the country. To know more about how the national action plan will impact the lives of people living with albinism, read our articles in the Daily Monitor as well:
- Uganda launches action plan to improve welfare of persons with albinism
- Will national action plan be sigh of relief for persons with albinism?
Last modified: January 8, 2024
