缅北禁地

People with albinism and human rights

People with albinism face multiple forms of discrimination worldwide. Albinism is still profoundly misunderstood, socially and medically. The physical appearance of persons with albinism is often the object of erroneous beliefs and myths influenced by superstition, which foster their marginalization and social exclusion. This leads to various forms of stigma and discrimination.

In some communities, erroneous beliefs and myths, heavily influenced by superstition, put the security and lives of persons with albinism at constant risk. These beliefs and myths are centuries old and are present in cultural attitudes and practices around the world.

United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism

The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution in 2013 () calling for the prevention of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism. Moreover, in response to the call from civil society organizations advocating to consider persons with albinism as a specific group with particular needs that require special attention, the Council created the mandate of . In June 2015, the Human Rights Council appointed Ms. Ikponwosa Ero as the first Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism. In August 2021, she was succeeded by .

Violence and discrimination against persons with albinism

While it has been reported that persons with albinism globally face discrimination and stigma, information on cases of physical attacks against persons with albinism is mainly available from countries in Africa.  

Persons with albinism face more severe forms of discrimination and violence in those regions, where the majority of the general population are relatively dark-skinned. In other words, a greater degree of contrast in pigmentation often gives rise to a greater degree of discrimination. That appears to be the case in some sub-Saharan African countries where albinism is shrouded in myth and dangerous and erroneous beliefs. The figures on violations against persons with albinism are telling. There have been hundreds of cases of attacks and killings of persons with albinism reported in 28 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa in the past decade. The attacks have several root causes including ignorance, longstanding stigma, poverty and most abhorrently, harmful practices emanating from manifestation of beliefs in witchcraft. The alarming reality is that these horrendous practices continue today.

The manner in which discrimination faced by persons with albinism manifests itself, and its severity, vary from region to region. In the western world, including North America, Europe and Australia, discrimination often consists of name-calling, persistent teasing and bullying of children with albinism. Little information is available from other regions such as Asia, South America and the Pacific etc. However, some reports indicate that in China and other Asian countries, children with albinism face abandonment and rejection by their families.

portrait of a child living with albinism and his father

While growing up, "some people treated me as less of a human being because they believed I had supernatural powers," Moses Swaray told Africa Renewal in an interview entitled: "Ending albino persecution in Africa". Like many others living with albinism, Moses had been subject to persecution since due to superstitions about albinos. Having relocated to the US, he is now a highly sought-after gospel artist within the African diaspora community. Unlike Moses, many people with albinism living in Africa continue to be at risk.

See also Making education safe for children with albinism in Malawi

Albinism - Mission diary of the 缅北禁地Independent Expert to South Africa, Episode 1

Watch the 缅北禁地Human Rights series on the mission of Ikwonposa Ero, the 缅北禁地Independent Expert on Albinism, to South Africa.

      

Uganda: Albinism a disability right

The Ugandan Government has recognised albinism as a disability. This has has led to the development of a national action plan. The plan, developed with the assistance of 缅北禁地Human Rights, provides better assistance in all sectors from health to education.

Tanzania: Albinos under attack

Tanzania has witnessed a spate of brutal attacks and killings on people with albinism. The attacks are linked to myths and witchcraft. In a bid to protect this vulnerable group, the Tanzanian government has resolved to round up children with the condition in 13 centres throughout the country.