Bisola David
A non-governmental organization called the Alliance for Advancement of the Albinism Cause has denounced social media posts that encourage the societal stigmatization of people with albinism.
According to The PUNCH, The founder of INAAC, Miss Joy Odigie condemned the crime in a statement released on Wednesday and made available to journalists in Benin, Edo State, in honor of the 2023 Zero Discrimination Day, which is observed every year on March 1.
Odigie cited the rise in prejudice against PWAs as alarming, particularly in light of the unfavorable information being spread on social media.
“Albinism is a genetic disorder that reduces the production of melanin, resulting in a fair skin complexion, light eyes, and hair, as well as an increased vulnerability to skin and eye conditions,” she explained.
“In Nigeria, PWAs have always had to deal with various types of societal stigmatization and prejudice from a portion of the society.
“In some regions of Nigeria, discrimination towards this group of people had resulted in murder, amputations, maltreatment, and trafficking of body parts of the PWAs.
She added that these actions violate the protections provided by international human rights law for the dignity and sanctity of the human body.
Odigie regretted that certain PWAs who cared more about financial gain than respect for their fellow PWAs were spreading false information regarding albinism.
She claimed that Discrimination can take different forms, noting that s everal times, the term “albino” is used in a disparaging manner to dehumanize those who are albino.
He said that skits should not dehumanize people; instead, they should educate people. ” It is strongly against the law to refer to people who have albinism as being blind or to call them terms like afternoon or fake oyibo.”
According to many albinism organizations and others, the representation and portrayal of PWAs in film and fiction is usually negative.
“Since it perpetuates societal prejudice and discrimination against these people, this is cause for worry.
Whether or if they are true or not, “most people trust what they see and hear on social media,” she claimed.
She called on the media to help in shifting the narrative via presenting the appropriate information regarding albinism as well as demystifying myths.
She also urged rigorous human rights laws that would protect the rights of the PWAs in society.
The theme for the 2023 Zero Discrimination Day is ‘Save Lives: Decriminalise’.
