Senator Shiri Calls for Action Against Discrimination of Persons With Albinism
Senator Annah Shiri says Zimbabwe must intensify efforts to fight colour-based discrimination, stigma and exclusion affecting persons with albinism while promoting inclusion and equal opportunities.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Gweru — Senator Annah Shiri has called for an end to colour discrimination against persons with albinism, saying more efforts are needed to address stigma, exclusion and barriers affecting their participation in society.
Speaking as Guest of Honour at the belated International Albinism Awareness Day commemorations held under the theme “Proudly in My Skin – Celebrating All Skin Tones,” Senator Dr. Shiri said persons with albinism should be recognised as equal rights-holders and not judged based on their appearance.
She commended the Albino Charity Organisation of Zimbabwe for its continued advocacy, assistance and efforts to transform the lives of persons with albinism across the country.
Seantor Shiri said Zimbabwe had made significant progress in promoting disability rights through the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2013.
“By ratifying the UNCRPD, Zimbabwe committed to uphold the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities as outlined in the Convention,” She said.
She noted that the 2013 Constitution recognises the rights of persons with disabilities through Sections 6, 22, 75 and 83, which mandate the State to take measures aimed at their inclusion and empowerment.
Senator Shiri also highlighted the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, which replaced the Disabled Persons Act of 1992, saying the new law aligns disability legislation with constitutional provisions and international obligations.
She further pointed to the National Disability Policy launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2021 as part of Government efforts to address marginalisation and discrimination against persons with disabilities.
This year’s International Albinism Awareness Day theme focused on tackling colour-based discrimination, which she described as a form of exclusion that contributes to stigma and limits access to services.
“Colour-based discrimination leads to stigma, social exclusion and barriers to services,” Senator Shiri said.
She added that persons with albinism often face psychosocial challenges, including fear, anxiety, depression, trauma and internalised stigma as a result of discrimination.
Society must amplify the voices of persons with albinism, she said, and respect their dignity by recognising them as people with equal rights and opportunities.
“The UN Convention emphasises the importance of promoting respect for their inherent dignity and ensuring their full and equal enjoyment of all human rights,” she said.
