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Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 73
- Paragraph text
- Lack of public education on albinism is closely linked to widespread myths regarding the condition. This is why the need for sustained awareness-raising initiatives on the issue cannot be overstated. That said, awareness-raising and public education initiatives cannot replace concrete action, but ought to be carried out as part of a broader action plan such as the one being developed at the African regional level. Education of persons with albinism about their condition and their rights is also necessary to counter myths and misbeliefs.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Education
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 45f
- Paragraph text
- [The Independent Expert intends to identify and consolidate the measures to end and prevent attacks to persons with albinism in consultation with States, civil society, international and regional bodies and agencies as well as other stakeholders. The specific measures identified will be based on those already identified, particularly those adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, namely:] Inclusion of information in reports submitted by States parties to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights under article 62 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, on the situation of persons with albinism, including good practices in protecting and promoting the rights of persons with albinism;
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 73
- Paragraph text
- WHO, in its study on the legal status of traditional medicine, details the status of traditional medicine in 123 countries around the world, showing the diverse approaches taken by States with respect to the practice. In sub-Saharan Africa, some States recognize traditional medicine as part of the national health system while others are silent on the issue. There are also variations between States in the level of regulation of traditional medicine practitioners. Some countries have established registers of practitioners, or exercise control by issuing government licences at the central level; in others, local officials are able to authorize the practice of traditional medicine in their administrative and/or health subdivisions. In certain countries, unlicensed practising of traditional medicine is a punishable offence. In other countries, including those with records of attacks, there is no licensing or registration process for practitioners of traditional medicine.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Health
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2017
Paragraph
Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 33
- Paragraph text
- The Oxford dictionary defines witchcraft as "the practice of magic, especially black magic; the use of spells and the invocation of spirits". However, it appears that witchcraft has many connotations and is subject to many interpretations, such that "objective definitions of witchcraft are unsatisfactory because its real meaning derives from relationships, shared experiences and individual feelings", and consequently "meanings of witchcraft are so varied because the concept is so versatile".
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Harmful Practices
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 79
- Paragraph text
- Aside from by a small, though growing, number of civil society organizations, insufficient attention is being paid to research and documentation of cases of attack and discrimination against persons with albinism. This paucity can be attributed in part to the fact that the human rights issues faced by persons with albinism have come to the attention of States and the international community only recently. While the primary duty of documenting crimes and ensuring justice for victims belongs to the State, the indispensable supplementary work of civil society in this regard remains crucial. However, a majority of non-governmental organizations focusing on the issue are relatively new, continue to face resource shortages and are still developing their capacity to carry out research and robustly engage with relevant national, regional and international mechanisms.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 19
- Paragraph text
- The phenomena have many connotations and are subject to many interpretations, such that objective definitions are unsatisfactory; "[the] real meaning derives from relationships, shared experiences and individual feelings". Consequently the "meanings … are so varied because the concept is so versatile".
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2017
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 64
- Paragraph text
- In 2016, the Independent Expert, in collaboration with regional human rights mechanisms, launched a process towards the development of a regional action plan to address attacks against persons with albinism in sub-Saharan Africa. The action plan seeks to identify concrete measures for implementing recommendations made by various human rights and other bodies and to translate them into a concrete road map for action with time-bound measures.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2017
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 53
- Paragraph text
- The Independent Expert attaches great importance to the work of the United Nations human rights treaty bodies, many of which have addressed the obstacles faced by persons with albinism, and wishes to extend her full support and availability to cooperate with them on this topic.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 56
- Paragraph text
- The Independent Expert recognizes that a very important part of the mandate is to support States in the development of their national efforts to advance the implementation of the rights of persons with albinism.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 45c
- Paragraph text
- [The Independent Expert intends to identify and consolidate the measures to end and prevent attacks to persons with albinism in consultation with States, civil society, international and regional bodies and agencies as well as other stakeholders. The specific measures identified will be based on those already identified, particularly those adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, namely:] Prosecution of perpetrators of attacks against persons with albinism;
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 13
- Paragraph text
- In her report to the General Assembly (A/71/255), in which she provided a preliminary overview of the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism, the Independent Expert showed 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 all contributed to ongoing outbreaks of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism. In the present report, the Independent Expert refers to "witchcraft" as "phenomena", to reflect the plurality of concepts, terms, practices and beliefs encompassed by the term.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Harmful Practices
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2017
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 83
- Paragraph text
- In addition to the problem of the legal gap, it is particularly difficult to establish that any body parts found are linked to an attack, given that such crimes are often not reported and the limited technical and financial means of law enforcement, particularly in the area of forensics, as well as the time and distance between the place where the alleged attack occurred and the place where the body parts were found. As a result, barring clear evidence that the body part was obtained from an attack or a graveyard robbery, affected States have resorted to laws that address mere illicit possession of body parts that, however, tend to carry penalties perceived to be too weak and fail to encompass the overall context of the crimes.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2017
Paragraph
Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 80
- Paragraph text
- There is also a pressing need for intense field research into the root causes of and trends in attacks in order for the phenomenon to be adequately understood and adequate measures taken.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 45e
- Paragraph text
- [The Independent Expert intends to identify and consolidate the measures to end and prevent attacks to persons with albinism in consultation with States, civil society, international and regional bodies and agencies as well as other stakeholders. The specific measures identified will be based on those already identified, particularly those adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, namely:] Increased education and public awareness-raising activities;
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Education
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 4
- Paragraph text
- 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".
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Harmful Practices
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 77
- Paragraph text
- The proportion of reported cases that have been prosecuted is small. This is due to the interplay of several factors, including lack of resources and specialization on the part of law enforcement, such as the absence of electronic databases and the need for enhanced forensic capacity. Similarly, where investigation has an international element, such as cross-border trafficking of persons or body parts, complications often arise, highlighting the lack of international law enforcement cooperation. Such factors are detrimental to a coherent judicial response. Police corruption has also been reported as a factor in the unwillingness to prosecute cases.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 61
- Paragraph text
- In line with her mandate, the Independent Expert will raise awareness on the rights of persons with albinism in order to combat stereotypes, prejudices and harmful traditional practices and beliefs that hinder their enjoyment of human rights and participation in society on an equal basis with others. To that end, she will promote positive change in social perceptions about persons with albinism through the dissemination of general knowledge about and understanding of albinism in society at large, including from a scientific perspective. Such awareness-raising will contribute to fighting myths and stereotypes about persons with albinism, particularly those that fuel stigma, discrimination and attacks.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 33
- Paragraph text
- The Independent Expert has received reports that demand for body parts for the purpose of muti or juju has led to the existence of a black market, at the national, regional and international levels, for body parts of persons with albinism. While there is often evidence of trafficking and attempted trafficking of body parts, evidence of the market for the parts is more indicative than substantive at present. It is therefore important to conduct further investigative studies and research to map patterns of trafficking of body parts, including on the alleged markets or points of sale, and on the international networks that may be involved.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Harmful Practices
- Health
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2017
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 75
- Paragraph text
- This does not mean that there is no role for the organizations of traditional healers in the process. On the contrary, their task is fundamental in complementing the actions taken by the State. For example, they could, in collaboration with the Government, develop internal rules of practice and clarify the impact of law and policy on the details of their practice. In this regard, good practices include cooperation among such organizations and between the organizations and the ministries of health, including through exchange of information and referrals.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Health
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2017
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 44
- Paragraph text
- While defining witchcraft as an element of crime raises issues, witchcraft accusations could be objectively defined without defining witchcraft. Therefore, to suppress witchcraft accusations, they could be proscribed with legislation, enforceable with relative ease.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2017
Paragraph
Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 70
- Paragraph text
- The general lack of awareness of the link between albinism and skin cancer has led to the belief that pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions on a person with albinism are a necessary part of albinism. The appearance of such lesions adds more stigma to an already stigmatized appearance and exposes a person with albinism to further discrimination.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Health
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 55
- Paragraph text
- While the majority of countries affected by attacks are among those with a low human development coefficient, one cannot conclude that there is a strict correlation between poverty, inequality and attacks. Yet it is undeniable that poverty is a common feature of most affected countries and that, combined with other factors, it contributes to and facilitates attacks against persons with albinism.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Poverty
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 39
- Paragraph text
- The general lack awareness of the link between albinism and skin cancer means that the prevalence of the condition has led to the belief that pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions on a person with albinism is a necessary part of albinism. The appearance of such lesions on persons with albinism adds more stigma to an already stigmatized appearance and exposes person with albinism to further discrimination, particularly when seeking employment.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Health
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 49
- Paragraph text
- Such current multisectoral debates highlight the fact that the human rights challenges associated with albinism are multilayered and could be addressed by various human rights mechanisms. They also show the need for in-depth reflection with stakeholders to inform policymaking and better inform the ongoing work of the Independent Expert in fulfilling the mandate.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 54
- Paragraph text
- Further, it is important to have standards in place to ensure that health care provided by traditional medicine practitioners is safe and reliable. These would include standards for the safety, efficacy and quality control of products and therapies, and regulations that ensure that practitioners have the qualifications they profess.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Health
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2017
Paragraph
Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 13
- Paragraph text
- Myths attributing special powers or qualities to persons with albinism tend to dehumanize persons with albinism. Such myths do not seek to provide an explanation for the condition but aim to single out persons with albinism by imputing non-human or superhuman features to them.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 19
- Paragraph text
- The Independent Expert intends to address the impact of witchcraft on the human rights of persons with albinism as a harmful traditional practice and as one of the root causes of ritual attacks. This will require careful understanding, definition and delineation of the practice, the form it takes and the effects it has on persons with albinism.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Harmful Practices
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 47
- Paragraph text
- The Independent Expert considers it important to identify the applicable human rights legal framework and the key international human rights instruments that could both comprehensively and effectively address the human rights-related issues faced by persons with albinism in a sustainable way.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 48
- Paragraph text
- In addition, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief has stated that persecution and punishment of alleged witches would be a clear case for limiting the application of freedom of religion or belief, in accordance with the criteria under article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (see A/HRC/25/58/Add.1, paragraph 42).
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2017
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 59
- Paragraph text
- While the effectiveness of such a plan has yet to be evaluated, it is a promising solution. It ensures national conversation on the issue, which in turn feeds into conceptualization and delineation. It also sharpens legal tools for addressing the issues, while identifying pertinent non-legal tools as well as key stakeholders to enlist in the process.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2017
Paragraph