UN albinism expert to visit the United States

GENEVA – The UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, will visit the United States of America, including Puerto Rico, from 7 to 18 October 2024.

Miti-Drummond will engage with federal and state authorities, obtain updates on legislative and policy developments and review responses to challenges faced by persons with albinism, particularly in relation to employment, housing, healthcare, and family life.

The Independent Expert will also analyse the prevalence of the Heřmanský–Pudlák Syndrome (HPS) – a variation of albinism – most common in the Puerto Rico region and assess clinical research, including the development of medical products to help alleviate HPS, as well as skin and vision-related side effects of albinism.

Miti-Drummond will visit Washington DC, Puerto Rico, Georgia, and Seattle. She will meet with civil society representatives, local activists, and interact with persons with albinism and HPS. The expert will also engage with albinism-specific organisations.

The Independent Expert will hold a press conference on 18 October 2024 at 13:00 EST at the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law School, Washington D.C. Journalists and interested persons wishing to attend the press conference are advised to contact Mr. Adi Radhakrishnan (ar1673@georgetown.edu) at the O’Neil Institute, Georgetown Law School, 500 First Street Northwest Washington, DC 20001.

Miti-Drummond will present a report on her visit to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2025.