Zambia Urged to Ratify African Disability Protocol as Albinism Day Commemorated

By Alain Kabinda

As Zambia joins the rest of the world in commemorating International Albinism Awareness Day 2026, the occasion is serving as more than a moment of recognition—it is a renewed call to confront stigma, expand opportunities, and strengthen protection for persons living with albinism.

Across communities in Zambia and beyond, people with albinism continue to navigate barriers that extend far beyond appearance. Challenges linked to discrimination, limited access to healthcare, social exclusion, misconceptions, and educational inequality remain part of daily life for many.

International Albinism Awareness Day, observed annually on 13 June, highlights the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with albinism while drawing attention to the work still needed to create equitable societies.

In schools, workplaces, and communities, persons with albinism continue to advocate for equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and public participation.

One of the major concerns remains access to health services, particularly skin care and eye health support. Because albinism affects melanin production, many people living with the condition experience increased sensitivity to sunlight and visual challenges that require continuous attention and protective measures.

Social attitudes continue to shape experiences for children and adults with albinism. Misconceptions and harmful stereotypes can lead to isolation, reduced confidence, and barriers to participation in everyday life.

For some learners, the classroom becomes a place where they must work harder not because of ability, but because systems are not designed with inclusion in mind.

Teachers and education advocates say practical changes—such as improved seating arrangements, accessible learning materials, awareness campaigns, and supportive school environments—can significantly improve educational outcomes.

Albinism Foundation of Zambia (AFZ) Chairperson Mr. John Chiti has also called on government to urgently ratify the African Disability Protocol (ADP), saying the move is necessary to strengthen protections for persons with disabilities and address persistent discrimination against people with albinism.

                                                                    (Mr. John Chiti)

The call was made during commemorations of International Albinism Awareness Day, observed annually on June 13, where disability advocates highlighted the challenges faced by people with albinism and urged authorities to act without further delay.

Speaking during at a media engagement, Mr. Chiti said discrimination based on skin colour remains a major challenge for many people with albinism.

“One challenge is discrimination which is based on skin colour. As you know, people with albinism look different. So sometimes they are discriminated against because of their colour. This year we are celebrating our colour. We are celebrating our skin tone and we encourage everyone who was born and looks different to be proud of your skin,” the spokesperson said.

He also that during this period the foundation will also use the occasion to deliver what they described as a clear and urgent message: Zambia must ratify the African Disability Protocol.

According to Mr. Chiti, the Protocol is Africa’s own human rights instrument designed to address barriers affecting persons with disabilities across the continent, including stigma, harmful practices against people with albinism, and challenges in accessing education, healthcare, justice, political participation and complaint mechanisms.

The Protocol complements the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by addressing issues unique to the African context.

Disability rights campaigners noted that the Protocol entered into force in 2024 after receiving the required number of ratifications from African states. They said several countries, including Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe, have already ratified the instrument.

Mr. Chiti explained that signing the Protocol would indicate support for its provisions, while ratification would create binding obligations and pave the way for its implementation within Zambia’s legal framework.

“For over five years, OPDs have engaged, consulted and advocated for ratification,” the Mr. Chii said.

The groups acknowledged government’s public commitment to complete the ratification process during the first quarter of 2026, referencing parliamentary discussions and a private member’s motion debated on July 21, 2025. However, they expressed concern that there has been no visible progress toward depositing the ratification instrument with the African Union.

“Each month of delay prolongs the barriers experienced by people with disabilities,” Mr. Chiti said.

He further argued that ratification would strengthen legal protections against discrimination and harmful practices, improve accountability, and accelerate inclusion in schools, workplaces, health facilities, justice institutions and civic life.

Mr. Chiti further said ratification would demonstrate Zambia’s commitment to disability rights and position the country as a regional leader in human rights and inclusion.

He Also advocates stressed that the issue extends beyond policy discussions and affects the daily lives of many citizens.

“Behind the policy language are real people: a child out of school because accessibility was not planned, a qualified graduate kept out of work, a voter turned away by a physical barrier,” the Mr Chiti said.

Mr. Chiti urged authorities responsible for social services, justice and public administration to finalise the necessary procedures and complete the ratification process without delay.

“This is not charity. This is justice. This is development. This is Zambia keeping its word,” said Mr. Chiti.

International Albinism Awareness Day is commemorated globally every year on June 13 to raise awareness about the rights, dignity and inclusion of people with albinism.

Advocates also have argued that persons with albinism should be viewed through the lens of capability and opportunity rather than limitation.

Across Zambia, individuals with albinism are contributing as professionals, entrepreneurs, students, artists, public servants, and community leaders—challenging assumptions and demonstrating that talent and ambition are not defined by physical appearance.

Civil society organisations and disability rights groups continue to encourage stronger implementation of inclusive policies and broader public education to address prejudice.

Community leaders say changing perceptions starts with everyday interactions—recognising persons with albinism as equal citizens whose rights and aspirations deserve protection.

This year’s commemoration is also highlighting the importance of representation and visibility.

Young people living with albinism increasingly want more than symbolic inclusion. They are calling for meaningful participation in decisions that affect their education, health, employment, and future.

For families raising children with albinism, support networks and public awareness remain essential in helping children grow with confidence and self-belief.

International Albinism Awareness Day 2026 therefore stands not only as a celebration of resilience, but also as a reminder that inclusion requires action.

As communities reflect on progress made, the message emerging from this year’s commemoration is clear: dignity, safety, opportunity, and equal treatment should not depend on skin colour.