A/HRC/34/59
I. Introduction
1.
The present report is submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 28/6,
in which the Council established the mandate of the Independent Expert on the enjoyment
of human rights by persons with albinism.
2.
In section II of her report, the Independent Expert provides an overview of activities
undertaken since March 2016 and of the progress made in the priority areas identified in her
previous report (A/HRC/31/63), in particular, attacks and discrimination against persons
with albinism. In section III, she focuses on witchcraft as a key root cause of attacks, with
the goal of adding to the information contained in her report to the General Assembly
(A/71/255). Her ultimate purpose is to contribute to the understanding of witchcraft as it
relates to persons with albinism, grasping its implications and identifying adequate
protection and prevention measures.
II. Activities of the Independent Expert
A.
Engagement with countries and stakeholders
Country visits
3.
In 2016, the Independent Expert conducted country visits to Malawi
(A/HRC/34/59/Add.1) from 18 to 29 April 2016 and to Mozambique
(A/HRC/34/59/Add.2) from 21 August to 3 September 2016. Both countries had recently
been affected by a significant increase in attacks against persons with albinism.
4.
Despite the lack of comprehensive data on the exact pattern of attacks and
information on the masterminds behind those crimes, it is believed that there is often a
cross-border element in the attacks. In addition, many of the issues that Malawi is facing
regarding persons with albinism, including violence, discrimination and challenges in
providing protection, preventing violence and ensuring accountability, are also present in
Mozambique. The Independent Expert believes that regional cooperation and joint action
through regional and subregional institutions and mechanisms are fundamental for longterm solutions.
Engagement with stakeholders
5.
The Independent Expert participated in numerous public engagements, including
interventions in a multiplicity of local and international media, as well as conferences and
expert meetings, which allowed her to raise awareness among an extensive audience, share
information and promote good practices with regard to the enjoyment of human rights by
persons with albinism. These events included participation in the sixteenth national
conference of the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation of the United
States of America; the regional expert meeting on support services for persons with
disabilities, held in Addis Ababa; the fifth international workshop on enhancing
cooperation between the United Nations and regional human rights mechanisms for the
promotion and protection of human rights; and the fourth Annual Conference on Disability
Rights in Africa, organized by the Centre for Human Rights of the University of Pretoria,
South Africa. The Independent Expert also celebrated International Albinism Awareness
Day (13 June) in Dar es Salaam with high-level officials of Government, international
missions and civil society.
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