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. This is according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein.
Al Hussein has issued a statement to highlight awareness for this day. The statement follows below:
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.
(United Nations)
All the contents on this site are copyrighted ©. |