15 Jun 2018

Government is in the process of ratifying the International Labour Organisation Convention on the Rights and Protection of People with Disabilities.

Speaking during the commemoration of international albinism awareness day recently,  Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration Mr Machana Shamukuni said preparations for the ratification had started with the aim of completing the process by the end of 2018.

In the meantime, he said, government would continue implementing the convention, in principle, through various policy documents, programmes and interventions.

Commemoration of albinism was meant to promote greater public awareness of the condition in Botswana including the challenges faced by albinos, he said.

The World Health Organisation, describes albinism as a genetic condition resulting in individuals having little or no eye, skin or hair pigmentation.

The assistant minister said those with the condition could be regarded as medically disabled as they had poor sight and extended exposure to the sun could result in skin complications including cancer.

“In the context of our national values of Botho and adherence to the 1948 International Convention on Human Rights as enshrined in our constitution, we remain committed to build an inclusive society that respects the rights and promotes the dignity of all Batswana,” he said.

Mr Shamukuni, also Chobe MP, urged Batswana to continue to nurture a supportive and enabling environment for those with albinism.
 

He said it was disheartening that some people within the region who regarded people with albinism as objects to be used in traditional rituals.

He encouraged people to change their attitude towards albinos and educate themselves on their needs and challenges.

Albinism Society of Botswana chairperson, Mr Sergent Kgosietsile, who is also councilor for Gaborone’s Marulamantsi Ward said the society was concerned that government had not ratified the convention.

“Botswana is the only country that has not ratified CRPD but the convention covers the rights of all disabled people and not only albinos,” he said.

Mr Kgosietsile said failure to ratify the convention made it difficult for the country to take total responsibility for the health needs of albinos.
In his welcome remarks, Bakgatla deputy chief, Kgosi Bana Sekai said it was important that the albino community be accorded the opportunity to present themselves so that people could understand them better.

He said demeaning and stigmatizing fables regarding albinos should be dealt away with.
In his closing remarks, Kgatleng District Council chairperson Mr Mpho Morolong said the council had not done enough in terms of infrastructural development to cater for people with disabilities.

He however said council had decided to improve the situation.

Mr Morolong said while in some countries albinos got killed for traditional rituals,  in Botswana they were murdered by negative attitudes and words which crippled their self-esteem and confidence.

He urged Batswana to offer albinos a platform to be heard and prove themselves. Ends