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Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 90
- Paragraph text
- Finally, campaigns should engage faith-based organizations, traditional leaders, persons with albinism and their families. They should address witchcraft and related beliefs, as well as fundamental topics involving albinism, including biological and scientific information on the genetic origins of the condition and other objective facts to debunk myths and misbeliefs surrounding the condition.
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Harmful Practices
- Health
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 29
- Paragraph text
- In addition, the myths fuel the discrimination and abuse to which persons with albinism are subject at school, and this increases bullying, taunting and harassment, which in turn increases their dropout rates. High dropout rates throw them into a cycle of poverty that is hard to break. Poverty in turn predisposes them to abuse and exposes them to attack.
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Education
- Equality & Inclusion
- Violence
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 83
- Paragraph text
- [The Independent Expert makes the following recommendations to States affected by attacks against persons with albinism:] [Reasonable accommodation for visual impairment] Provide reasonable accommodation for visual impairment as well as adequate protective measures against attacks on persons with albinism in schools and at places of work;
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 40
- Paragraph text
- Similarly, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief stated in the report of his mission to Sierra Leone (A/HRC/25/58/Add.1) that freedom of religion or belief, while allowing for legally defined limitations to protect the rights and freedoms of others, must be broadly understood. Witchcraft-related beliefs, whether in their ancient or modern form, are protected under the freedom of belief, as are actions related to such beliefs, as long as they do not violate the rights of others. However, he also stressed that "the serious harm inflicted on persons accused of witchcraft can never be justified", and that "if someone were to invoke the right to freedom of religion or belief in order to support harmful practices, such as the persecution and punishment of alleged witches, this would be a clear case for limiting the application of freedom of religion or belief". The same reasoning applies to other harmful practices, including attacks against persons with albinism: harmful practices can never be justified.
- 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
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 16
- Paragraph text
- There are different types of albinism. The most common and visible type is oculocutaneous albinism, which affects the skin, hair and eyes. Within this type are subtypes that may reflect varying degrees of melanin deficiency in an individual. Lack of melanin in the eyes results in high sensitivity to bright light and significant vision impairment, with the level of severity varying from one person to another. This vision impairment often cannot be completely corrected. In addition, one of the most serious health implications of albinism is vulnerability to skin cancer, which remains a life-threatening condition for most persons with albinism. All human rights issues relating to albinism reported to date - attacks, mutilation and trafficking of body parts, among others - have been linked to its oculocutaneous form, which is also the most visible type of albinism.
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Health
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 32
- Paragraph text
- In the Pacific Islands, it has been reported that people with albinism suffer comparable human rights-related issues with regard to lack of access to information and support for health conditions, vision problems and cultural isolation. There is little verified information on the human rights situation of persons with albinism in Asia, South America and the Caribbean. The Human Rights Council Advisory Committee stressed that the absence of information on albinism in other regions should not be interpreted to mean that there is no problem of discrimination, stigmatization and violence in those regions. Lack of sufficient knowledge remains a significant barrier to tackling discrimination, stigmatization and violence.
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Health
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 13
- Paragraph text
- There are different types of albinism. The most common and visible type is oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), which affects the skin, the hair and the eyes. Within this type, there are subtypes, which reflect varying degrees of melanin pigment deficiency in an individual. The main subtypes of OCA are tyrosinase negative albinism (OCA1) and tyrosinase positive albinism (OCA2). In OCA1, there is little or no production of melanin and it is often characterized by white hair and opaque or transparent irises. In the more prevalent, particularly in African countries, OCA2, some melanin is produced and it is characterized by yellow-blonde or sandy-coloured hair and grey to light brown irises. A less common form of albinism is ocular albinism which affects the eyes alone, while albinism accompanied by Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome is another less common form, which is characterized by bleeding disorders, bowel (colitis) and lung diseases.
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Health
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 18
- Paragraph text
- Beliefs that attribute supernatural qualities to persons with albinism serve only to dehumanize them. Such beliefs deify or demonize persons with albinism, and present as natural the exclusion, stigma and discrimination they face. This is the case, for example, in the widespread myth that persons with albinism do not die, but simply disappear. This myth is particularly disturbing because it justifies any sudden and inexplicable disappearance of a person with albinism from his or her community. This belief poses a strong risk to persons with albinism by proactively providing an acceptable explanation to the community for the disappearance of a person with albinism after an attack. Further, the existence of such a myth supports the hypothesis that violations of the life and security of persons with albinism predate the contemporary attention given to the issue.
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Harmful Practices
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 23
- Paragraph text
- Challenges to ending impunity may include lack of confidence in the law enforcement or judicial system owing to fear of reprisals or stigmatization, ignorance of their rights or lack of financial resources. Barriers also subsist at the investigations level, where there might be difficulties in finding witnesses owing, inter alia, to stigmatization and discrimination, fear of reprisals (including through witchcraft), lack of comprehensive witness protection programmes, involvement of family members and lack of financial resources. Barriers subsisting at the prosecution stage may include restrictions in the implementation of the right to a fair trial and due process, such as the lack of adequate legal representation. In addition, even when perpetrators are successfully prosecuted, it has been reported that too often the sentence pronounced is not proportionate to the gravity of the crime committed. Such outcomes can undermine the trust of victims in the justice system and lead to a reduction in the number of cases reported. Other barriers to ending impunity can be found at the policy and legislative levels, including the need for a clear and adequate legal framework regarding albinism that covers attacks and the impact of witchcraft on the human rights of persons with albinism.
- 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
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Families
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 84
- Paragraph text
- To address the specificities of the use of body parts in muti and juju, it is fundamental to ensure that there is adequate legislation to prosecute the trafficking and sale of body parts, including in non-medical contexts and when they do not meet the requirements of the definition of "organs".
- 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
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 98b
- Paragraph text
- [The Independent Expert recommends that Governments, together with civil society and academia:] Develop and implement long-lasting awareness-raising campaigns, as they are critical to addressing harmful practices and rampant myths affecting the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.
- 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
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 99b (ii)
- Paragraph text
- [The Independent Expert recommends that the international community:] Continue to work to: Advance the discourse on witchcraft to improve understanding on the phenomena, both generally and in the context of harmful practices, to ultimately ensure the enjoyment of human rights by all victims, including persons with albinism.
- 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
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 86
- Paragraph text
- Similarly, research on the root causes of attacks, including witchcraft, is necessary to refine prevention and protection measures. As specific witchcraft-related beliefs and practices tend to arise from specific contexts, supported by different concepts and described by a diversity of terms, research has to be undertaken with particular attention to the specific sociocultural context.
- 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
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 99a
- Paragraph text
- [The Independent Expert recommends that the international community:] Advocate for victims of witchcraft practice, including persons with albinism, by including the phenomena in all discussions and reports on harmful practices;
- 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
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 50
- Paragraph text
- Article 24 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognizes the right of indigenous peoples to their traditional medicines, to maintain their health practices and to access social and health services without discrimination.
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Health
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 46c
- Paragraph text
- [Accordingly, to be regarded as harmful, practices should meet any or a combination of the following criteria:] They are traditional, re-emerging or emerging practices that are prescribed and/or kept in place by social norms that perpetuate male dominance and inequality of women and children, on the basis of sex, gender, age and other intersecting factors;
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Harmful Practices
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Children
- Women
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 46d
- Paragraph text
- [Accordingly, to be regarded as harmful, practices should meet any or a combination of the following criteria:] They are imposed on women and children by family members, community members or society at large, regardless of whether the victim provides, or is able to provide, full, free and informed consent.
- 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
- Children
- Women
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
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).
- 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
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 41
- Paragraph text
- Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights distinguishes the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief from the freedom to manifest religion or belief. On the one hand, it does not permit any limitations whatsoever on the freedom of thought and conscience or on the freedom to have or adopt a religion or belief of one's choice. These freedoms are protected unconditionally. On the other hand, restrictions on the freedom to manifest religion or belief are permitted if limitations are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health or morals, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others. In joint general recommendation No. 31 of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women/general comment No. 18 of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (2014) on harmful practices, the committees recognize that harmful practices are deeply rooted and that there are often attempts to justify them by invoking sociocultural and religious customs and values. However, harmful practices can never be justified and must be eliminated, including by challenging sociocultural norms and attitudes that underlie them. In addition, States cannot justify any delay in taking action on any grounds, including cultural and religious grounds.
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Health
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Children
- Women
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
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.
- 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
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 15
- Paragraph text
- Albinism is a relatively rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition that affects people worldwide regardless of ethnicity or gender. It results from a significant deficit in the production of melanin and is characterized by the partial or complete absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. Persons with albinism therefore often appear pale in comparison to members of their family and their communities. For a person to be affected by albinism, both parents must carry the gene, and in such cases there is a 25 per cent chance at each pregnancy that a child will be born with albinism. The frequency of albinism varies by region. In Europe and North America, the reported frequency is 1 in 17,000 to 1 in 20,000 births. The frequency in certain parts of the Pacific is reported to be 1 in 700. Among some indigenous peoples in South America, the reported frequency is 1 in 70 to 1 in 125. In sub-Saharan Africa, the reported frequency ranges from 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 15,000, with prevalence rates of 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,500 for selected populations. An important caveat is that some studies of the frequency of albinism often lack objectivity in their methodology or are incomplete, rendering estimates as best guesses in most instances.
- 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
- Children
- Ethnic minorities
- Families
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 46a
- Paragraph text
- [Accordingly, to be regarded as harmful, practices should meet any or a combination of the following criteria:] They constitute a denial of the dignity and/or integrity of the individual and a violation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child;
- 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
- All
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 67
- Paragraph text
- To that end and for the realization of all the goals established by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 26/8, by which it also established the mandate, she looks forward to engaging in constructive and fruitful cooperation with a diverse range of stakeholders in all regions, particularly and foremost in the areas affected by attacks on persons with albinism.
- 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
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 41
- Paragraph text
- Women and children with albinism are particularly vulnerable as they are exposed to intersecting and multiple forms of discrimination. In addition, children are particularly targeted for ritual killings and women are sometimes victims of sexual violence. The Human Rights Council Advisory Committee also stressed the specific challenges faced by women and children with albinism in that regard.
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Children
- Women
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 43
- Paragraph text
- As noted by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, children with albinism are at high risk of abandonment, stigmatization and marginalization as a result of their appearance, and due to disability factors associated with their condition, such as impaired eyesight and sensitive skin.
- 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
- Children
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 31
- Paragraph text
- Bullying of school-age children owing to their appearance has also been reported in other regions of the world, such as in sub-Saharan Africa. However, in that region, discrimination takes more extreme forms, including infanticide, physical threats and attacks. Lack of information on the condition facilitates the spread of myths to explain albinism, most of which are erroneous and in some cases dangerous, including myths that people with albinism are ghosts or the result of conception during menstruation or the result of a general curse. Life in that context could be described as a cycle of discrimination. Civil society has reported that ostracism of entire families owing to the strong negative connotation of the birth of a child with albinism, perceived as a source of misfortune in certain regions, contributes to infanticide and abandonment of children. Where there are no systematic birth and death records, identification and reporting of such cases are even more difficult. In some regions, children with albinism drop out of school for reasons linked to stigma and because no reasonable accommodation is made for the vision impairment often resulting from albinism. A lack of education combined with widespread absence of health information often lead persons with albinism to employment outdoors with no protection from the sun, which exposes them to a high risk of skin cancer.
- Body
- Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Harmful Practices
- Health
- Person(s) affected
- Children
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
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.
- 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
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 59
- Paragraph text
- The Independent Expert will conduct country visits, at the invitation of Governments, with the objective of learning about national realities and observing relevant laws, policies and programmes. Such visits will be an opportunity for the Independent Expert to identify best practices and areas for constructive dialogue with a view to enhancing the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.
- 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
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 55
- Paragraph text
- In addition, the Independent Expert believes that States affected by attacks against persons with albinism may share similar challenges and obstacles, and notes that some have adopted certain measures in an effort to address the issue. The Independent Expert intends to encourage regional forums in order to exchange experiences, both positive and negatives, foster regional dialogue and the sharing of best practices in this regard.
- 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
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 62
- Paragraph text
- Recognizing the limited capacity of most civil society groups representing persons with albinism, the Independent Expert wishes to work with them in order to increase their knowledge of national and international avenues for addressing the obstacles faced by persons with albinism in fully enjoying their human rights.
- 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
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph