‘Remain resolute on albino rights’

Hugh Gombakomba Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWEANS must continue to guard against the abominable practice of the arbitrary ritual killing of people living with albinism at the instigation of satanic beliefs, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Harare Metropolitan Province Miriam Chikukwa has said.

Minister Chikukwa made these remarks over the weekend in Harare on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Albinism Day.

In a speech read on her behalf by Mr Ignatius Mungure, the Deputy Director in the Ministry for Provincial Affairs in Harare Province, Cde Chikukwa said she was pleased to note that Zimbabweans had remained resolute in protecting the rights of people living with albinism.

“Because of this, we have not witnessed the horror taking place in other African countries where the ritual killing of people living with albinism has become the order of the day.

“We must continue to guard against this abominable practice from creeping into our communities through our Christian values and principles as taught in Mark 12 verse 31 which says, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’”, she said.

These commemorations, whose theme was: “Celebrate Diversity Promote Inclusion, Protect Our Rights,” coincided with recent reports in neighbouring Malawi where an albino “terrorist” was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Speaking during the same event, Zimbabwe Albino Association fundraising chairman Mr Luke Kanhimbe said Government should empower people living with albinism, particularly in the social amenities sector as a way of curtailing marginalisation in the employment environment as organisations are shunning people with albinism.

The celebrations were organised by Alive Albinism Initiative, Albino Charity Organisation of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Albino Association.