Action plan gives “renewed hope” to people with albinism in Africa

The endorsement of an action plan on albinism in sub-Saharan Africa has given “renewed hope” to people born with the condition, a UN human rights expert has said. Ikponwosa Ero was speaking just ahead of International Albinism Awareness Day, observed on 13 March. Albinism results from a lack of melanin, producing lighter than normal skin and hair. People with the condition have suffered discrimination and exclusion, and some have even been killed for their body parts due to superstitious beliefs. Flora Nducha spoke to Ms Ero, who’s the UN Independent Expert on human rights of persons with albinism.

High Level Panel to study migration in Africa

A High Level Panel on Migration in Africa has been established, hoping to stem the tide of young people forced to flee their homelands, in search of work. Thokozile Ruzvidzo heads the Social Development Policy Division at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), which established the body together with the African Union (AU). The panel was launched earlier this month in Liberia and is chaired by the country’s President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Ernest Chicho spoke to Ms Ruzvidzo and asked her what the panel hoped to achieve.

Kenya has “neglected blue economy opportunities” in the past: minister

Kenya has “neglected” the “blue economy opportunities” the ocean represents in the past, and must be a better steward in the future. That’s according to Kenyan environment, water and natural resources minister, Judi Wakhungu, who led the country’s delegation to the historic UN Ocean Conference this month. She said Kenya had to increase the amount of coastline that was under protection, and help preserve livelihoods. Ms Wakhungu spoke to Grace Kaneiya.

Presenter: Matthew Wells

Production Assistant: Ana Carmo

Duration: 10’00″