NGO calls for fair treatment of albinos

An NGO in the Republic of Congo has called on government authorities to take measures to help ensure the fair treatment of albinos, who often find themselves victims of social discrimination. "It is well-known that albinos constitute a minority and should, therefore, be considered as vulnerable persons," Symphorien Ayala, president of SOS enfants vulnerables sans frontieres, told IRIN on Wednesday. "On a daily basis, in the streets, in schools, everywhere we go, we face rejection. Too many albino children have stopped attending school because of being ridiculed and made to feel that they were inferior," he said. "I myself was prevented from entering university because of my albinism," he added. "Even though I was eligible for a government scholarship, it was denied me, despite repeated appeals I made to authorities. I believe I could have earned a university degree if I had benefited from a scholarship like other children in vulnerable situations." Ayala cited the case of one of his albino friends who has been unable to find employment for several years in the coastal city of Pointe-Noire, owing to his condition. "And yet he was a brilliant student and earned a university degree in history," he said. "Even private schools would not hire him as a teacher." "I believe that it is a mistake to judge a book by its cover. What is inside is what is important. Albinos can make important contributions to this country," he added. Ayala said he hoped the government would take up the fight against such exclusion by ensuring that albinos had full access to medical care and education. Having participated in the World Congress of Albinism held in Yaounde, Cameroon, in February, Ayala said albinos encountered similar problems in Cameroon, Gabon, and many other of the countries from which participants came. According to Ayala, there are an estimated 355 albinos in the Republic of Congo, with 75 albino children in the capital, Brazzaville. Despite all the problems encountered by albinos, six have found positions with the government: two in the health sector, one in education, one in foreign affairs, one in scientific research and one working as a special adviser in the office of the president.