A/71/255
I. Introduction
1.
In its resolution 28/6, the Human Rights Council requested the Independent
Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism to report
annually to the General Assembly.
2.
This is the first report to the General Assembly of the Independent Expert on
the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, Ikponwosa Ero. It serves
as an introduction to the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons
with albinism. Specifically, it shows how interrelated factors, including the
mythologization of albinism and a related lack of understanding of the scientific
bases of the condition, poverty, witchcraft practices and other aggravating factors,
such as visibility and appearance, all contribute to ongoing outbreaks of attacks and
discrimination against persons with albinism.
3.
In preparing the report, the Independent Expert reviewed relevant literature on
the topic and analysed responses to a questionnaire sent to Memb er States, national
human rights institutions and civil society organizations. In addition, she has
included in this preliminary study outcomes generated from the recently concluded
Consultative Forum: Action on Albinism in Africa, hosted by the Independen t
Expert in Dar es Salaam, from 17 to 19 June 2016. However, given the limited
availability of data and in-depth studies based on field research on the topic, the
present report does not aim to provide a final analysis of the issue but rather seeks
to be indicative by presenting plausible root causes based on available data in order
to facilitate subsequent conclusive work on the subject.
II. Root causes
A.
Myths
4.
Over the centuries and across the world, myths about albinism have been
developed and have taken deep root in various cultures. Widespread and long -term
ignorance about the condition has given birth to myths, some of them age -old and
most of them erroneous. Such myths can be found in various regions of the world,
as evidenced in the pejorative names used for persons with albinism across cultures
and continents, including “dry pigeon peas”, “ghost”, “chicken”, “strange being”,
“monkey”, “fake white man”, “goat” or the “devil in person”. 1
5.
Some myths seek to explain albinism and address the reason why a person has
the condition. Others attribute specific powers to persons with albinism,
demonstrating fear of the unknown and the desire to distance oneself from them.
Another group of myths presents ostracism, exclusion and discrimination against
persons with albinism as a natural necessity. A number of these myths are highly
concerning, as they seek to strip persons with albinism of their humanity and
represent them as a means to an end as opposed to an end in themselves.
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1
16-13196
Under The Same Sun, “Names used for PWA”, www.underthesamesun.com/sites/default/files/
Names%20used%20for%20PWA.pdf.
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