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Frequently asked questions
1. How are the Targets measured?
A multi-stakeholder task-force chaired by the Independent Expert is responsible for monitoring the progress on the implementation of the Regional Action Plan (RAP). The task force developed Rules by which value is ascribed to each activity implemented toward a target in the RAP.
The rules have both objective and subjective components. This is because indicators and targets are both quantitative and qualitative. Moreover, as it is often difficult to represent qualitative progress in numerical values, it is important to note that some values ascribed are more aptly described as strongly indicative of progress than a perfect numerical demonstration of the same. Therefore the graphs are not to be used strictly for comparative analysis but should be used as a good estimation of progress and areas where countries need support.
If you have suggestions, comments, questions or wish to discuss and engage with the task force about the values ascribed to targets for a particular country, Contact Us.
2. Why is the Regional Action Plan Needed?
Twenty-eight countries across sub-Saharan Africa since 2006, have collectively reported over 600 attacks and other human rights violations against persons with albinism since 2006. While there are continuing efforts within the continent to facilitate the protection of persons with albinism as well as better living conditions, a sustained culture of silence and impunity, along with the lack of monitoring instrument are still obstructing the full enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism. The Regional Action Plan on Albinism in Africa (2017–2021) is the first continental platform to directly respond to those human rights violations, and their root causes.
3. How can I contribute to this page?
Send us information or reports by clicking Contact Us.
To discuss informally with others, you may do so on our Facebook Page.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: We wish to acknowledge all the entities that have submitted reports for this site and look forward to continued engagement including more reports from you. We also wish to thank Patricia Wilocq for her beautiful award-winning photos. Finally we thank the Task Force of the RAP and the team of the UN Independent Expert on albinism.
4. Why is there an action plan only in Africa?
The UN Independent Expert on albinism, who drove the establishment of this platform, has an international mandate and responds to human rights issues faced by persons with albinism worldwide. In this regard, she has engaged with persons with albinism nearly all continents of the world. Further, the Independent Expert is strongly driven by the fundamental pledge of the UN sustainable development goals which aims to leave no one behind, starting with the furthest behind first.
Due to limits of resources and time, the Independent Expert prioritizes information gathering worldwide but also the situation of persons with albinism in Sub-Saharan Africa from where they face some of the worst atrocities.
5. Who is funding the Implementation of the Regional Action Plan?
The Regional Action Plan is not funded by a single donor or funder. It is a platform for facilitating the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism in Sub-Saharan African through the involvement and partnership of multiple-stakeholders. Most supporters of the RAP are national and work directly with persons with albinism to achieve real and concrete change. Others work with the UN Independent Expert to drive coordination of these efforts. As stakeholder engagement varies, from adhoc to medium term, we are constantly seeking support in all areas of implementation of the RAP.
6. How can I support the Implementation of the Regional Action Plan?
To support the implementation of the Regional Action Plan, click on the Get Involved tab. Also, you may visit a country page under the Implementation tab to see what country you might be able to support according to where it has the largest gaps in its implementation progress. You may also Contact Us for further discussion.
7. What can I do to help in my local Community and School?
Find local albinism organizations near your area, volunteer for them and donate to them: https://worldalbinism.org/2015/01/12/albinism-associations-from-around-the-world/
Share the work done by the Independent Expert with your students and colleagues: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Albinism/Pages/Reports.aspx
Engage with your local government to find out what is being done in your community to meet targets in the Regional Action Plan: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Albinism/Pages/AlbinismInAfrica.aspx
Participate in International Albinism Awareness Day events: http://www.albinismday.com/#events
Read local and international news on albinism:
Go to www.google.com/alerts and type "albinism" to receive news reports on albinism directly in your inbox.