Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has called upon the Malawi Police Service and other laws enforcement agencies to put in place adequate security measures and strategies that will ensure maximum protection and security of persons with albinism during the election period.

MHRC has said this in a statement signed by the commission’s chairperson Chikondi Chijozi, at a time the world is commemorating the International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD).

Chijozi also asked the government to expedite the review of the National Action Plan (NAP) for persons with albinism, saying that this will provide a platform for strategic implementations, coordination and accountability of persons with albinism related interventions.

She said persons with albinism have in recent years been victims of tragic instances of abuse and violence before elections, during elections and after elections.

The commission has asked various stakeholders to be in the forefront in ensuring that persons with albinism are empowered and protected before, during and after elections.

This year’s International Albinism Awareness Day is being commemorated under the theme “10 years of International Albinism Awareness Day: A Decade of Collective Progress”, where Malawi has been localized to “United to empower and protect persons with albinism during the election period”, premising on the common understanding that the safety and dignity of persons with albinism particularly during times of heightened political tension in the country.

International Albinism Awareness Day falls on 13 June every year, and it is commemorated globally.