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REPORT OF THE ALBINO FOUNDATION’S ALBINISM RIGHTS PROJECT LAUNCH AND

WORKSHOP FOR ITS COORDINATORS WITHIN THE NORTH CENTRAL REGION OF

NIGERIA HELD ON THE 12TH AND 13TH OF SEPTEMBER 2017

Participants at the workshop in a group photograph with resource persons

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ACRONYMS AIT African Independent Television AMB Ambassador ACHPR African Charter on Human and People’s Rights BARR Barrister CBT Computer Base Text CFRN Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria CJ Chief Judge CSO Civil Society Organization DW Deutsche Wella ESQ Esquire FIDA International Federation of Women Lawyers FRCN Federal Radio Corporation of Nigerian HON. Honorable HRBA Human Right Base Approach IHRC International Human Right Commission ITV Independent Television NBA Nigeria Bar Association NGO Non-Governmental Organization NHRC National Human Right Commission NTA Nigeria Television Authority PRO-BONO Free of Charge PTV Peoples Television Network PWA Person(s) With Albinism STV Sliver Bird Television TAF The Albino Foundation UN United Nation UNCRPD United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities UNHRC United Nation Human Right Council

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1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

A two-day Launch and workshop programme organised by The Albino Foundation (TAF) on The

Albinism Rights Project was held on 12th and 13th September 2017. The project was aimed at

sensitizing Persons with albinism (PWA) on identifying their Fundamental human rights as

provided in the constitution, thereby promoting, protecting and seeking redress when these rights

are infringed upon or violated. Prior to the project launch, members of the foundation led by the

founder/CEO of the foundation paid advocacy visits to the Canadian High Commissioner to

Nigeria, Ambassador Christopher Thornley, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chief Judge, Justice

U.I. Bello and the FCT Commissioner of Police. All these advocacy visits were to seek for their

support to ensure the success of the albinism rights project.

During the project launch, dignitaries that were present included: The special guest of Honour;

Mr. Christopher Thornley; the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, who gave a keynote

address; The Chief Host, Hon. Justice I. U. Bello, the Chief Judge of Abuja who also gave an

address; Hon. Justice Yusuf Baba of the FCT Abuja High Court, who presented a goodwill

message on behalf of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA); Barr. Ngozi Ikenga, representing

International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA); Barr. Jamila Hamza, represented the

Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission; Barr. Mohammed Tsav, Chairman

NBA Bwari Area Council of FCT Branch also gave their goodwill messages.

Also present were: Barr. Dauda Sulayman (JP) Chairman NBA Gwagwalada Branch; Barr. A. A.

Mohammed, Chairman Emeritus NBA Gwagwalada Branch; Barr. Manny Ikpebe, the launch

Moderator and a Resource person among other invited guests including twenty media houses

and participants for the workshop.

After the project, the participants went to a different venue for the workshop. The workshop

sessions were fashioned in an interactive way, as seasoned resource persons presented their

papers on various subjects using PowerPoint presentations. However, the workshop papers

presented included: Albinism as a human rights issue; Human rights Advocacy and

engagement; Persons with Albinism and the UN Convention on the Rights of persons with

disabilities; Monitoring and reporting the human rights abuses of persons with Albinism;

Leadership as a tool for Promoting and protecting the Human Rights of Persons with

Albinism; and Human Rights based approach to project management.

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Questions, answers and complaints were entertained and addressed at the end of each

sessions. The participants were engaged in group works on human rights based project exercise.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

The Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended; the African Charter on Human

and Peoples Rights (ACHPR); UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

(UNCRPD); The International Human Rights Law (IHRL), and the United Nations Human Right

Council (UNHRC) has provisions for the enjoyment of Fundamental Human Rights for her

citizens with no exceptions irrespective of the circumstance of birth, skin colour, race, gender or

ethnicity.

Over the years, the rights of persons with albinism in Nigeria have been violated. Children with

albinism could not have access to education because of bullying from peers and teachers;

persons with albinism who passed employment tests could not be employed because of his/her

colour, persons with albinism within their communities could not participate actively because of

discrimination from community members; persons with albinism could not have access to health

facilities because of discriminatory attitude of health care providers; women with albinism are

frequently impregnated and abandoned after promises of marriage by would-be-husbands;

mothers who gave birth to children with albinism are chased out of their marriages; persons with

albinism are always hunted for ritual purposes while suicide among persons with albinism are on

the increase as a result of accumulated discriminatory attitude and human rights abuses and

violations by the society.

On this premise, the foundation seeks to sensitize and engage persons with albinism (PWA) on

their various Fundamental human rights and consequently mitigate the level of violation and

discrimination against them.

However, to achieve this goal, the workshop was used as a medium to build the capacity of

persons with albinism leaders within the North-Central Region of the country on Human Rights

issues as well as create their understanding on the role and importance of Judicial inclusiveness

in redressing reported cases of violation or infringement. In all, the workshop served as a guide

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and an awareness avenue to the participants on human rights identification, Advocacy and

approach to accrued rights reclamation under the ambiance of the law.

Participants during the workshop

3.0 ADVOCACY ENGAGEMENT ON THE ALBINISM RIGHTS PROJECT

As part of the activities for the albinism rights project, the foundation paid advocacy visits to FCT

Chief Judge, Justice U.I. Bello; Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria; and the FCT

Commissioner of Police. All these advocacy visits were to ensure that the foundation gets the

needed support towards ensuring the successful implementation of the project.

3.1 Advocacy visit to Canadian High Commissioner

The foundation paid an advocacy visit to Canadian High Commissioner to Nigerian, Ambassador

Christopher Thornley on the 15th of August, 2017 to intimate him of the project especially the

Launch. The Founder/CEO of the foundation, Mr. Jake Epelle told the High Commissioner that

the project is aimed at promoting the rights of persons with albinism as well as ensuring that their

rights are enforced whenever it is violated. He equally informed the High Commissioner that the

project is funded by a Canadian Cosmetics Company, Lush, based in Vancouver.

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In his response Ambassador Thornley thanked the foundation for all the efforts in ensuring that

vulnerable groups especially persons with albinism have a lease of live in Nigeria and Africa. He

promised the foundation that he will be physically present during the launching of the project.

3.2 Advocacy visit to FCT Chief Judge

The members of the foundation also paid advocacy visit to FCT Chief Judge, Justice U.I. Bello.

The leader of the team and the founder/CEO of the foundation, Mr. Jake Epelle made a five

minutes’ PowerPoint presentation on the challenges faced by persons with albinism especially

as it concerns the human rights abuses and violations experienced by persons with albinism in

Nigeria and Africa in general.

In his response, the Chief Judge stated that he never knew that persons with albinism were

having such challenges and promised that he will partner with the foundation to ensure that the

project is a success by mobilizing all the judges to attend the sensitisation workshops for judges,

magistrates, police and lawyers. He also assured the visiting teams that he will partner with the

foundation to ensure that the project is launched. He also promised providing a venue at the FCT

High Court for the Launch. He delegated his Personal Assistance to work with the foundation to

ensure the success of the project. He thanked the foundation for bringing the plight of persons

with albinism in Nigeria to the consciousness of the public.

3.3 Advocacy visit to FCT Commissioner of Police

The foundation equally paid an advocacy visit to FCT Commissioner of Police who was

represented by the Command Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Anjuguri Manzah. The

founder/CEO of the Foundation briefed the Police PRO on the project and the need for the

enforcement of the fundamental Human Rights of persons with albinism. The FCT Police PRO

thanked the foundation for coming and apologized on behalf of the Commissioner whom he said

had an official engagement outside Abuja. He stated that it was as a result of the importance he

paid to the advocacy meeting that he requested that he should stand for him. He assured the

foundation that the police will do everything within her power to ensure that the rights of persons

with albinism are not only protected but to ensure that violators are prosecuted accordingly. He

promised active participation by the police during the sensitisation workshop for judges,

magistrates, police and lawyers.

DAY 1

4.0 PROJECT LAUNCH

The event was formally declared open after the registration of members and guests and a brief

opening prayer led by a Christian cleric as at 10am on 12th September 2017. Subsequently, the

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dignitaries and guests were introduced. More so, the Nigerian and Canadian National Anthems

were both sang and observed as led by Hon. Justice I. U. Bello and Mr. Christopher Thornley

respectively.

4.1 opening remark

In his opening remark, the Founder/CEO of the Albino Foundation, Mr. Jake Epelle

acknowledged the presence of all and sundry especially the special guests of honour, for gracing

the occasion. In his statement, he pointed out that this project’s programmes are slated to be in

3 Tiers.

➢ Launching and training of persons with albinism leaders on Human Rights promotion,

protection and defense.

➢ Sensitization of Teachers on the rights of persons with albinism, hence mitigate the level

of discrimination and abuse against children with albinism in schools.

➢ Sensitization workshop for magistrates/judges, police and other security agencies and

members of the bar on the protection and enforcement of the rights of persons with

albinism.

He further stated that the workshop which is on its maiden edition is meant to kick off first with

the North-central region (FCT, Benue, Kaduna, Kogi, Kwara, Nassarawa and Niger) as there are

plans to take it down to different regions of the country. Conclusively, he enjoined all the guests

to live a life of contribution to the society and as such leave a legacy to be remembered for.

4.2 Goodwill Messages

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the

International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), through their representatives felicitated with

the foundation and pledged their endless support to her projects. They promised to offer pro-

bono services for the foundation and persons with albinism whose rights are violated.

4.3 Keynote remarks by special guests

The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Christopher Thornley first felicitated with the

foundation, Lush and its media partners, for initiating hosting and launching this project. He

further opined that TAF is living up to her very essence of existence; which is to serve as an

umbrella protecting persons with albinism against divers’ cruel discriminatory challenges faced

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in the society. He also commended the partnership between TAF and the Justice system in the

quest to ensure that persons with albinism gets their deserved rights. In his words “when a

person’s right is violated, every one’s right is violated irrespective of the person’s skin colour,

sex, race or ethnicity”.

He pointed out that the Canadian Government and people are all out within the ambiance of law,

(Internationally or Locally) to support the persons with albinism: not just in Nigeria but the world

at large. Stating that “diversity could be a problem, when inclusion isn’t arrived at and inclusion

creates opportunities that benefits all”. According to him, this fight is aimed at actualizing the goal

when the society will no longer discriminate or judge people based on the colour of their skin,

“when there wouldn’t be need for #IsupportAlbinism in the society”. He concluded by

appreciating everyone who made it to the event.

Canadian High Commissioner, Chief Judge of Abuja and other dignitaries at the project

launch

The chief Judge of the FCT High Court Abuja and special guest of honour in the person of Hon.

Justice I.U. Bello in his remark, responded to the address of the founder TAF on public

sensitization and awareness programme in view. He encouraged TAF to keep up with their quest

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as the Judiciary is already aware and will continue to throw in their full weight in the fight against

Human Rights Violation. He also commended the Canadian Government and people for their

support and role in the fight against persons with albinism discrimination and abuses, classifying

it was an honourable gesture worthy of emulation. The CJ emphatically stated that contrary to

the common misconception in the society, that a person with albinism could as well rise to the

zenith of greatness in the society beyond imaginations. In demonstrating this, he listed the likes

of:

➢ King Edward the confessor of England ruling from 1042 to 1066.

➢ Emperor Seinei of Japan the 22nd Emperor of Japan

➢ Connie Chiu first albino supermodel in the world.

➢ William Archibald Spooner a Don in Linguistics

➢ Salif Keita a Mali National, considered to be a bad luck by his family but against all odds

became the “Gold voice of African” through his powers in Afro-pop songs and

composures.

➢ What about Johnny Winter, a Grammy award winning producer, singer and Guitarist,

known for his high energy blue rock performance and our very own Amb. Uche Ajulu

Okeke who rose to become the Nigerian Consular-General to South Africa. These ones

he said among others defied the odds and made it great.

Statistically, he stated that there are over 2 million persons with albinism in Nigeria, which is only

a fraction of the worlds figure among whom are abuse and discriminated ones. He called on Civil

Society Organizations (CSO’s) and NGO’s to weigh into this fight against stigmatization of PWA

and encourage them to identify the PWA non-accepting grounds like schools, Government

Agencies, private organization and ensure that the rights of this ones are protected as provided

for in CFRN 1999 as amended, Chapter 4 section 32-43 and UNHRC as well.

In reiteration, the CJ pledged the commitment of the Judiciary in this fight and urged his fellow

learned colleagues to take up pro-bono cases in respect to PWA as their service to humanity.

Finally, Hon. Justice I. U. Bello reminded persons with albinism and the albinism community that

no one can stop them besides their selves and he enjoined them to stand for their right always.

4.4 Unveiling of the Albinism Rights Project Banner

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The highlight of the event was when the co-launchers Hon. Justice I. U. Bello and Mr. Christopher

Thornley were called upon as they formally unveiled THE ALBINISM RIGHTS PROJECT banner

as a mark of new era for persons with albinism in Nigeria.

Unveiling of the Albinism Rights Project Launch Banner

After the launch was the hearing of a case in hand on the inhuman treatment by the Nigerian

Police Service Commission against Dr. Alade S. Dapo, a police college trainee graduate who

went through the rigorous six (6) months training at the college without any special privilege yet

excelled, only to be refused his entitled posting and employment letter since June 2017 on the

ground that he is a person with albinism.

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A person with albinism discriminated by the Nigerian Police sharing his experience

The CJ showed his total disappointment and disapproval by calling some NBA members present

to swiftly weigh into the matter with him. Thereafter, was the presentation of gifts, that is, Art

works designed by a person with albinism and presented by Mr. Jake Epelle to the Canadian

High Commissioner Mr. Christopher Thornley and another to FCT Abuja High Court Chief Judge:

Hon. Justice I. U. Bello.

The vote of thanks was given by the foundation head of media and communication, Mr. Afam

Kasim who acknowledged the presence of everyone and prayed for journey mercies.

4.5 Pictorial session

Highlight of the event were group photographs, and post-launch interviews. Present among the

media houses where renowned International and Private media stations namely; Aljazera, BBC,

DW, PTV, ITV, NTA, AIT, STV, Galaxy TV, OAK TV, FRCN among others. There were over

twenty media houses in attendance.

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Ambassador Thornley, Chief Judge Bello in a group photograph with Persons with

albinism

5.0 TECHNICAL SESSION 1

The technical session took into account all the activities during the capacity building workshop

for persons with albinism leaders within the north central region of Nigeria.

5.1 Methodology

Ground rules and instructions were put in place in order to ensure orderliness and success of

the workshop, while the Resource persons presented their papers using PowerPoint

presentations as well as engaged the participants in an interactive question and answer sessions

after each class.

5.2 key objective

The key objective of the workshop was to build the capacity of persons with albinism within the

north-central region of Nigeria on how to promote, protect and defend their rights whenever is

violated.

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5.3 Albinism as A Human Rights Issue – By Barr. Rex Erameh Esq.

The first presentation was on Albinism as a human rights issue presented by Barr. Rex Erameh.

He started by explaining what albinism is and what it isn't. He further stated that human rights

are the essential benefits that accrues by the operation of the law upon the citizens of any given

country for their enjoyment on sustainability. As such, these rights covers both PWA and non-

PWA alike.

Sighting the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended chapter 4 section

33 and section 35 subsection 1. He pointed out that these rights doesn't preclude persons with

albinism as they have equal stake as citizens of the country, contrary to the misconceptions.

Media Interview with Founder/CEO of the Foundation at the end of the project Launch

5. 4. Human Right Advocacy and Engagement- By Barr Manny Ikpebe.

The second presentation was by Barry. Manny Ikpebe. In his presentation, he emphatically

stated that, the first point of call for a PWA is to know his or her rights. He insisted, that the law

places all at equal pedestal and there are no special privileges, unless when such engagement

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endangers the being of the PWA, only then can such privileges be invoked. Secondly, he opined

that it is absolutely necessary for a PWA to identify the appropriate authorities to report to, when

their rights are being violated or infringed. Examples of authorities includes: TAF, the Pro-Bono

Lawyers, Police, National Human rights Commission, Public Complaints Commission and Civil

Society Groups. Finally, having identified these authorities, the last step is to formally report such

violation promptly, using the proper channels.

Complaints, Question and answers

1) Mr. Samuel Asked how can a PWA fight against discrimination in Court of law considering

their financial limitations. In response the resource person started by saying that one have to

ensure that his rights are been violated and not on perception, then he can take it to the legal

unit of the foundation who are bound by duty to take up such cases pro-bono

2) Mr. Hussein form Kogi inquired, if there are any special provision in Nigerian laws especially

for PWA students during examination. The head of media and communication TAF lent his

voice by reassuring PWA that such provisions are already in place sighing the Nigerian

National inclusive education policy also championed by TAF. He insisted that it only requires

the PWA to identify himself as on during the examination and such privilege will be granted

and asked whoever was denied such right to report to the appropriate authority

3) Abel from Plateau state asked “To what extent has the Judiciary been able to interpret these

laws as provided for in the constitution in respect to PWA Rights Violation? Barr Rex Erameh

Esq. responded by saying that the Justice system is doing all that it takes to ensure that

Justice is done; i.e the earlier report in day during the Launch.

4) Faith Osonwa from FCT called on the Foundation (TAF) to help them find a place in the

society especially when it pertains to work. Mr Damian Ivom and Barr Rex Erameh Esq.

respectively pointed out the foundation has been doing. So, through its empowerment

programmed. They also advised that PWA should engage themselves in meaningful

handiworks or trade pending the time that the white-collar jobs comes their way; so as to

become responsible members of the society.

5) Mr Hussein painted a picture using the CBT organized by UTME. He asked, how can a PWA

ask for an extra time during such test having it in mind that the test is pre-programmed to end

within a stipulated time for everyone? Barr Manny in is answering faulted the organizing

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authority for not being inclusive enough to consider the impaired right of PWA, and reassured

that it would be rectified in the nearest future.

A resource person at the workshop

DAY II

The day started by 9.00am with opening prayers from a Christian and Muslim participant

respectively. Subsequently was recap of the previous day's activities from the project launch, to

the workshop. The PWA reminded one another of what they have learnt so far. while some others

commended the foundation for doing a tremendous job in hosting the programme, as it has been

an eye opener to most of them.

6.0 TECHNICAL SESSION 2.

This session in day 2 as well, involves the presentation by various seasoned resource persons

as well as the class participation, making it interactive.

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Resource person and participants at the workshop

6.1 Leadership as A Tool For Promoting The Human Right Of Persons With Albinism.

-By Jake Epelle

The first presentation for day 2 was on leadership as a tool for promoting the human rights of

persons with albinism by the founder/CEO of the foundation, Mr. Jake Epelle. He started by first

seeking the opinion of the participants on what they think that leadership is. He mentioned that

Leadership is all about “INFLUENCE”, and not control, insisting that no leader has the right to

compel people to follow him. He said that, “Leadership is not occupying position rather, it is the

fulfillment of purpose from a position", as EVERYONE has an inherent trait of leadership from

creation. During the session, he pointed out why most leadership fails, what one must do as a

leader and various types of leadership.

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Participants at the workshop

6.2 Persons With Albinism & Un Convention On The Right Of Persons With Disabilities

– By Mrs. Hasstrup Yetunde Esq.

In her PowerPoint presentation, Mrs. Hasstrup of the National Human Rights Commission

explained what Albinism is also defined Human Right as a Universal, indivisible entitlement

accruable to every person by virtue of their existence as human being irrespective of sex, age,

status etc. She further explained that Human Right are interrelated, interdependent and

democratically recognized and enforced. She also mentioned the abuses faced by PWA, and

the human rights protection for PWA. She further highlighted articles by the UN convention on

the rights of persons with disabilities, and the complaint agencies as provided by UN. She

concluded by proffering ways to combat the abuse against persons with albinism. She concluded

by urging persons with albinism to always ensure that they report all forms of violation to National

Human rights Commission in other to ensure that their issues are tackled.

6.3 Human Right Based Approach (HRBA) To Project Management

-By Damian O. Ivom

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The last presentation was presented by Mr. Damian Ivom, the National Programme/Project

Specialist of the foundation. He described Human Right Based Approach (HRBA) as a conscious

and systematic enhancement of human rights in all aspects of project. He stated that the session

was aimed at engaging and educating the participants on Human Right based projects, thereby

giving them insights on how to go about with such projects.

He further explained that the very objective for HRBA is to empower people (right holders) claim

and exercise their rights while engaging the actors (Duty bearers). Mr. Damian also in his paper

presentation, further described in detail what project management entails, the prerequisites,

processes and what must be done to ensure that such projects lives out its life cycle.

6.2.1 Questions and Remarks

1. Mr. Henry Akpa made a remark that he has often noted that there are no clear out style of

leadership engaged by leaders rather it often cuts across different types. The resources person

Mr. Jake Epelle concurred but also added that for every leader there is a dominant Leadership

style.

2. A question was directed to the resource person asking “what effort has NHRC put in place to

protect the rights of PWA living in remote rural areas. Mrs. Hasstrup, responded in succession

that the commission is making every effort to ensure that everyone is reached stating that among

the 36 states and FCT in the country, NHRC has operational offices in 23 of them and the

commission also counts on the collaboration with NGO’s within the unreached grassroot.

3 There was a call for the revival of the partnership between NHRC & TAF so as to enable a

mechanism where there would be dedicated office or desk where a PWA could easily lay his

complaint/ file his report when abused or discriminated against. The NHRC reassured TAF that

the commission is there for all PWA inclusive and she conclusively reiterated that the United

Nation Human Right Council has been set in place as a mechanism through which complaints

from member country NGOs are accepted and treated.

6.3.2 CLASS ACTIVITY

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At the end of the class, the participants were divided into 6 groups as they were engaged in

brainstorming exercise and presentation of different human rights based programs with its

detailed budget, process, activities and anticipated impact.

The workshop was rounded up on day 2 with a group picture involving the PWA, TAF

management and the resource persons as at 6.15pm on the 13th of September 2017.

7.0 CONCLUSION

The Albinism Human Rights projects launch and workshop held on 12th and 13th September,

2017 was a success. Different confronting subjects on PWA human rights challenges were

treated, presentations of paper were made by seasoned resource persons and the participants

were enlightened, educated and engaged on human rights awareness campaign and Advocacy.

Above a landmark achievement were reached by the committed involvement of the Judiciary,

who pledged their commitment in taking pro Bono cases on PWA related issues. Thirty four (34)

participants participated in the workshop from the North central region of the country. At the end

of the workshop, certificates of participation were awarded to the participants

Participants with their certificate of participation at the end of the workshop

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8.0 RECOMMENDATION

Having been enlightened through the series of the presentations in the workshop on how to

ensure the promotion, protection and defense of the rights of persons with albinism by the

resource persons, the following submissions were made:

8.1 To the PWA first

All PWA should:

➢ Identify and know their rights only then, would they be able to defend it.

➢ Stand up in Advocacy for their identified rights, as provided for within the laws/constitution.

➢ Live beyond low self-esteem because the fundamental human rights incorporate all,

including the PWA.

➢ Report to appropriate authorities promptly and seek redress when their rights are being

violated or denied.

➢ Embark on Human Right Advocacy programme, hence sensitize the public on PWA

related issues.

8.2 To the Public, Government & Judiciary

➢ The society is for all (PWA inclusive) lets learn to accept, respect and relate with them

without discrimination.

➢ Policy should be made to incorporate the PWA always not sometimes (with special

reference to CBT examination).

➢ Give the PWA equal opportunity as well as other citizens, where necessary make

provisions for special privilege as recommended.

➢ The Judiciary should support PWA more by accepting their cases as pro-bono and treat

it with utmost importance like every other.

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APPENDIX 1: ATTENDANCE LIST FOR GUESTS AT THE PROJECT LAUNCH

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APPENDIX 2: ATTENDANCE LIST FOR THE MEDIA PROJECT LAUNCH

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APPENDIX 3: ATTENDANCE LIST FOR CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP

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