Nigeria has called for stronger international protection for persons with albinism and leprosy, warning that discrimination and social exclusion persist despite advances in medical treatment.
The federal government made the call on Thursday during interactive dialogues at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee in New York.
Bola Asaju, Nigeria’s representative, said persons with albinism continued to face serious health challenges, discrimination and, in extreme cases, violent attacks.
The delegation identified skin cancer, visual impairment and limited access to healthcare among challenges confronting people with albinism. It warned that stigma and discrimination could deny affected persons opportunities in education, employment and community participation. Nigeria maintained that no individual should face violence, exclusion or discrimination because of albinism.
The country called for improved access to affordable sun-protection products, eye care and regular skin examinations. It also demanded stronger legal and institutional safeguards against attacks and other violations of affected persons’ rights.
The delegation highlighted Nigeria’s National Policy on Albinism and National Action Plan on Albinism as frameworks for addressing discrimination. It said the country was strengthening community engagement, public awareness and law-enforcement responses.
Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to investigating and prosecuting criminal acts committed against persons with albinism.
The dialogue followed a presentation by UN Independent Expert Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond on the psychological and social consequences of colour-based discrimination.
In a separate dialogue, Nigeria warned that people affected by leprosy continued to experience exclusion even after receiving effective medical treatment. The delegation said leprosy is curable, but its social consequences require sustained public awareness, inclusion, and human rights protection.
It highlighted Nigeria’s National Zero Leprosy Roadmap and community-focused initiatives across 10 states as part of efforts to combat stigma.
The country also identified vocational training, livelihood support, assistive mobility devices and social protection as important measures.
Nigeria said cooperation involving the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Leprosy Mission Nigeria and other partners was supporting socioeconomic reintegration. The delegation reiterated the need for early detection, appropriate healthcare, mental health support, and meaningful participation in policymaking.
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation that protects human dignity and ensures equal opportunities.
UN special rapporteur Beatriz Miranda-Galarza, who presented the report on leprosy-related discrimination, warned that medical progress alone could not eliminate social exclusion.
(NAN)
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