Maseru, Lesotho – The Lesotho Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations received Ms. Muluka Anne Miti Drummond, the Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights of Persons with Albinism (PwA), on Monday. Ms. Drummond leads a delegation currently on a visit to the country.
During a courtesy call at the Ministry offices, discussions focused on the human rights situation of people with albinism (PwA) in Lesotho. Ms. Drummond’s role, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, involves identifying and promoting best practices that ensure PwA can fully enjoy their rights and participate equally in society. She also reports on progress and challenges faced in achieving this goal.
The visit comes amid concerns about the well-being of Lesotho’s estimated 8,000 PwA citizens. According to the 2016 census, this population group experiences disproportionate poverty and discrimination based on both disability and skin color. They are also often excluded from essential public services in healthcare and education. Women and girls with albinism face even greater challenges due to the added layer of gender-based discrimination.