Statement by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid
Ra'ad Al Hussein ahead of the
GENEVA (11 June 2015) – The World’s first-ever day for
Albinism Awareness, is an opportunity to celebrate the talents and achievements
of people with albinism, and to join the struggle against the challenges they
face.
In every society, babies are born with albinism, due to a
recessive gene that is carried by both parents.
But across the world, these children are likely to face bullying,
prejudice and even violence because of stereotypes based on the colour of their
skin.
They frequently cannot access adequate healthcare, although albinism may
impair their vision and increase their risk of skin cancers.
Failure to accommodate this visual
impairment, as well as mockery and abuse, may force them to drop out of school;
compounded by widespread social rejection, this can result in unemployment,
isolation and life-long poverty.
In some parts of the world, people with albinism may also
suffer horrific, and sometimes lethal, atrocities. Civil society activists have
reported that hundreds of people with albinism – a majority of them children –
have been killed, mutilated or otherwise attacked in at least 25 African
countries, because of the belief that their body parts confer magical powers.
More cases remain undocumented because of the isolation of the victims, the
secrecy surrounding ritual practices, and indifference. Shockingly, such crimes
have seldom been investigated or prosecuted.
Recently, discrimination and violence against individuals
with albinism have been highlighted by the United Nations Human Rights Council
and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as well as by my
Office.
In coming weeks, a UN
Independent Expert will be appointed to give an international voice to the
concerns of people with albinism, and to contribute to protecting their rights.
In Tanzania and Malawi, efforts are underway to develop nation-wide strategies
to combat the violence and discrimination that they suffer.
Meanwhile, civil
society activists around the world continue their essential and inspiring work
to fight stigma, combat harmful superstition, and ensure that victims have
access to justice, care and redress.
There is no room in this 21st century for erroneous and
harmful beliefs, or for discrimination on any grounds. People with albinism are
just as deserving of dignity as every other human being. They have the right to
live free from discrimination, deprivation and fear.
I call on States to step up education to
counteract ignorance about albinism, and to provide appropriate care. In
addition, they must investigate cases of discrimination and violence against
people with albinism, and enforce the law.
I also encourage civil society activists and human rights institutions
to continue reporting on the human rights of people with albinism around the
world. Awareness is the groundwork for
action, and this first International Albinism Awareness Day is a beacon of hope
for people with albinism everywhere.
For video footage of the High Commissioner delivering the
above statement, please visit: https://youtu.be/TFiXp0fgNWY
Please also visit
the fully accessible new micro-site on the OHCHR website dedicated to
the issue of albinism: http://albinism.ohchr.org/
ENDS
For more information and media requests, please contact
please contact Ravina Shamdasani (+41 22 917 9169 / rshamdasani@ohchr.org) or
Cécile Pouilly (+41 22 917 9310 / cpouilly@ohchr.org)
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