Government says it is deeply concerned with the incidences of violence against people with albinism.

Acting Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Mr Rodney Sikumba has observed that Zambia over the past years, has witnessed several cases were person with albinism have been attacked and tragically killed, apart from enduring discrimination for their skin colour.

Mr Sikumba was speaking in a speech read on his behalf by Director for Social Welfare, Mr Nelson Nyangu, during the commemoration of the International Albinism Awareness Day, under the theme:, “Inclusion is Strength”.

He emphasized the need to collaborate and embrace albinism within the disability movement and other sectors, and to also seek synergies with human rights groups and other organisations from outside the albinism movement.

“Persons with albinism are our friends, fathers , mothers, brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces and are just like us, and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity ” Mr Sikumba further said.

And speaking earlier, Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) Vice Chairperson , Mr. James Mwitwa, advocated for the ratification of the African Disability Protocol, in order to advance the interests of people with albinism in various sectors such as health, education and employment.

Mr Mwitwa who equally bemoaned the continued killing of people with albinism regretted called for everyone to work together and build a society that embraces diversity of all Zambians.