A non-governmental organisation, The Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause, has condemned some social media contents promoting the stigmatisation of Persons with Albinism in the society.
Founder of INAAC, Miss Joy Odigie, condemned the act in a statement issued, on Wednesday, and made available to journalists in Benin-City, Edo State, on the occasion of the 2023 Zero Discrimination Day marked every year on March 1.
Odigie said it was worrisome that discrimination had continued to heighten against the PWAs, especially owing to negative content being put out on social media space.
She said, “Albinism is a genetic condition that decreases the production of melanin, resulting in a fair skin complexion, light eyes and hair, and increased susceptibility to skin and eye conditions.”
The PWAs in Nigeria have always had to contend with different forms of social discrimination and stigmatisation from a section of the population.
“Discrimination of this group of persons had led to murder, amputations, abuse and trafficking in body parts of the PWAs in some parts of Nigeria.
“This is an affront to the dignity and sanctity of the human body as guaranteed under international human rights law.”
Discrimination takes various forms. The term ‘albino’ is often used in a derogatory way to dehumanise people with albinism. Skits are meant to educate persons and not to dehumanise people. Portraying persons with albinism as blind persons or calling them names like afternoon, fake oyibo, is highly condemnable.
“The depiction and portrayal of the PWAs in film and fiction has been asserted by different albinism organisations and others to be largely negative.
This is a call for concern as it reinforces, or even engenders, societal prejudice and discrimination against such people.
“Most persons believe what they see and hear on social media, whether they are true or not,” she said.
She called on the media to help in changing the narrative via promoting the right information about albinism as well as demystifying myths.
She also advocated stringent human rights laws that would protect the rights of the PWAs in society.