13 January 2025
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Story Lunga Luthuli
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Photo Supplied
The UFS Disability Rights Unit champions equal rights for all, with a special focus on marginalised groups – including persons with albinism – to ensure inclusive health care, education, and social justice. Pictured is Prof Serges Kamga.
In April 2024, the
Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS) took a step by establishing its Disability Rights Unit. In the same year, the unit hosted the First International Disability Rights Conference to address the rights of persons with disabilities, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups, including persons with albinism.
The establishment of the unit came after the faculty hosted a round-table discussion on disability rights in October 2023. The event was vital in creating a network that fosters collaboration among stakeholders, including academics, policy makers, and organisations representing persons with disabilities. It also inspired the development of the Disability Rights Unit, with the aim of advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, raising awareness, and promoting research to inform policy decisions across Africa.
Bridging the gap
According to
Prof Serges Kamga, Dean of the Faculty of Law, “The Disability Rights Unit was founded on the principles of advocacy, awareness, and action. We aim to bridge the gap between legislation and the lived experiences of persons with disabilities, particularly those who face systemic exclusion.”
One of the unit’s key focuses is on persons with albinism, a group subjected to severe stigma, discrimination, and marginalisation. People with albinism encounter significant barriers, particularly in health care and education. Myths surrounding albinism often deter individuals from seeking medical care, while health-care providers frequently lack awareness of their specific needs, especially in skin and eye care. Additionally, educational institutions are often ill-equipped to support students with visual impairments, which leads to inadequate accommodation and resources.
Laetitia Fourie, Lecturer in the
Department of Mercantile Law, emphasised the importance of targeted interventions, stating, “Access to health care and education for persons with albinism requires urgent attention. It is important that institutions provide tailored support to ensure that individuals with albinism are not left behind.”
In response to these challenges, the Disability Rights Unit hosted a round-table discussion in November this year, focusing on access to health care and education for persons with albinism. The event was part of the university’s broader commitment to inclusivity and aligns with the UFS’ Vision 130, which emphasises the creation of an inclusive environment that values diversity and promotes social justice. “Improving access to health care and education for persons with albinism directly supports our mission of fostering a just and equitable society,” Prof Kamga added.
Meaningful and lasting change
The November round table laid the groundwork for an international conference on albinism rights, set to take place in 2025. This initiative is just one of several projects by the Disability Rights Unit, with future collaboration expected between the Faculty of Law and the
Faculty of Health Sciences. As part of their efforts, the unit aims to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and collaborate with external organisations to create meaningful and lasting change for persons with albinism.
The Disability Rights Unit encourages both students and faculty members to actively participate in upcoming events and contribute to fostering a more inclusive campus environment.