Campaign to protect albino rights launched

RWANDA is known for peace building and development, but the country’s youth are not just about to stop at that. On Saturday, the youth albino foundation – launched a peace initiative called ‘White in Black’ in Kigali, meant to raise awareness on rights of albinos. The event was attended by the Minister of Youth and ICT, Philbert Nsengimana, among other officials and dignitaries.The initiative was presented in a movie thriller called ‘The Label’ – followed by discussions on the rights of albinos in the country. “We worked so hard to make this event a success because we want to shed light on the challenges and struggles of albinos in Rwanda as well as raise a platform for them to share with the public their opinions about their lives and how it can be improved,” said Amelithi Mugabo, Head of Rwanda Evil Fighters Through Talent (REFTTA).The movie was not just about everything, there was a skit that portrayed how some parents denounce their children at birth when they find out they are albino – the songs in the movie also supported the theme. Local artistes Jean Paul Samputu and Mani Martin thrilled the audience with their enchanting voices.Minister Nsengimana said: “This is a wake up call to all Rwandans to foster peace and development and learn from mistakes of other countries in order to prevent them from occurring in our country.”The minister also pledged Rwf2milion to the Albino association. “It is a pleasure to have produced this movie, I was driven by the fact that albinos were harshly treated in Tanzania and Uganda. So we have to ensure that it doesn’t happen in Rwanda,” Clemantine Dusabejambo, director of the ‘Black in White’ movie. Pleased with the initiative, one of the participants, Josian Mutoni said: “I was excited to attend; I learnt a lot, even the fact that albinos can do a lot of things just like us, or even better. I am going to share what I learnt with my friends.” With an emotional look on his face, Theodore Teo Iraduha, Head of the albino association, said: “It’s a pleasure to launch this initiative and we had for so long wished to have it in place. I am very glad people came to support us, we now believe that we are valued in our country.” The event was supported by Basic Brilliant Africa (BBA), Peace and Love Proclaimers (PLP) and Almond Tree Films.

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Campaign to protect albino rights launched