Full summary of the Interactive Dialogue of the Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Persons with Albinism

Documentation

The Council has before it (A/HRC/49/56) report of the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond entitled harmful practices and hate crimes targeting persons with albinism.

Presentation of Report

MULUKA-ANNE MITI-DRUMMOND, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, said she had focused her report on harmful practices and hate crimes against persons with albinism. Egregious violations against persons with albinism could qualify as hate crimes since hate crimes were crimes carried out with a bias motive: the person committing the crime had a bias against an actual or perceived characteristic of a victim’s identity. In the case of albinism, they were perpetrated on the basis of the colouring and physical appearance of this people group. Having specific hate crime laws in which persons with albinism could be recognised as victims with protected characteristics would not only condemn the bias motive in the crimes against them, but could prompt further investigations and impact the way victims were treated, how they were interviewed and the seriousness of sentences given to offenders.

Ms. Miti-Drummond identified good practices in relation to harmful practices and hate crimes, including the European Union’s strong common response to tackle hate crimes through its Framework Decision 2008/913, as well as the establishment of mechanisms for the reporting of hate crimes in different countries. These mechanisms must recognise that attacks against persons with albinism almost always constituted hate crimes. The African Union’s Plan of Action to End Attacks and other Human Rights Violations Targeting Persons with Albinism (2021 to 2031) was another valuable initiative. She urged the implementation of this Plan of Action.

In conclusion, Ms. Miti-Drummond stated that unfortunately, many people were still unaware that it was not just in Africa where the rights of persons with albinism had to be protected. Persons with albinism remained invisible in too many discussions that were important to their human and personal development. They were even invisible in discussions about human rights defenders. Such invisibility led to exclusion and exclusion ultimately led to violations of rights. This was even more so the case with smaller groups of people. It was therefore her vision to ensure that persons with albinism, and their voices, were mainstreamed in these areas.

Discussion

In the ensuing discussion, speakers welcomed the Independent Expert’s first report as well as the presentation of her thematic vision and took note of her recommendations. They were looking forward to working with the Expert and recognised the challenges of the fight against discrimination against persons with albinism. They commended the recognition by the Human Rights Council of harmful practices related to practices of witchcraft as the root causes of the human rights violation of persons with albinism. Discrimination against any minorities impacted all persons. The terrible effects of stereotypes and prejudices were denounced. Speakers thanked the Expert for focusing on hate crimes and explaining what constituted a hate crime and shared her view on the importance of addressing misunderstanding on the subject, even more in mass media. The importance of education and awareness raising was highlighted, as well as the need for the development of critical thinking. Education and awareness raising as well as working with social media companies to limit hateful rhetoric was necessary.

Speakers said they were committed to the promotion and protection of the human rights of persons with albinism. They denounced the trafficking and killing of persons with albinism and greeted the adoption of Security Council resolution 478. Massive support to combat hate crimes was expressed. Speakers were concerned about the fact that people with albinism were experiencing multiple discriminations. These violations stemmed largely from ignorance, prejudice and stigma. Fighting those discriminations required concerted efforts. The intersectional form of discriminations that women and girls with albinism faced was highlighted. Deep concerns were expressed that children with albinism were targeted and the enjoyment of their human rights undermined. The impact on their mental health was noted. Speakers were appalled by the abduction of children with albinism and the idea that using their body parts would bring good fortune and luck. They urged all communities to fulfil the human rights of all persons with albinism and provide necessary support. Calls were made for authorities to ensure the rights and freedom of persons with albinism and for States to take appropriate measures to protect them without discriminations.

Concluding Remarks

MULUKA-ANNE MITI-DRUMMOND, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, wished to thank everybody for their comments and input, and noted that almost everyone had echoed support for the mandate, and she looked forward to going forward with them in the future. She looked forward to discussing a potential country visit to Egypt. One of the best ways to ensure continued dialogue and open channels of discussions were country visits. The exchange of information and best practices, as well as challenges faced by the Governments in protecting persons with albinism were also important. The data on the number of persons with albinism remained opaque, and such information should be disaggregated so that the situation of persons with albinism throughout the globe could be determined. African countries should develop national action plans and implement the African Union Plan of Action. It was essential for the Independent Expert to continue to work closely with persons with albinism, and she committed to do this, to seek their input, understand their challenges, and work closely with Governments in developing standards for the rights of persons with albinism.

Governments should adopt coordinated responses with regard to albinism, including the justice sector, migration and education. Her work would also adopt this coordinated response, and would continue to work with the public sector, including geneticists and health professionals. Dispelling myths about albinism was vital, as it was these that prompted attacks on persons with albinism. Albinism should be mainstreamed, as in many cases, persons with albinism were invisible, which led to exclusion and violations of human rights, and she intended to make sure they were involved in all discussions. On capacity building, she would continue the work on this, and understanding the human rights framework around persons with albinism, as well as the health conditions of persons with albinism. It was difficult for many people to understand what were the channels for access to justice, to witness protection, and legal aid, and States should help remedy these. Governments should support persons with albinism and associations aiding them financially and in developing plans of action. Governments must ensure that they included and consulted persons with albinism from the designing phase to the implementation phase. Human rights organizations should also include the issue of persons with albinism at all levels of their work.