A/78/167 disproportionately affect the right to life of persons wi th albinism and their right to the highest attainable standard of health. 24. In addition to skin cancer, ultraviolet radiation and sun exposure also causes a range of other problems for persons with albinism. Persons with albinism are more susceptible to sunburn and skin photoageing, which can lead to lentigines (small, flat, brown spots), freckles and heavy wrinkling of the skin. 19 Exposure to excessive sunlight also exacerbates problems with eye health. The eyes of persons with albinism are more sensitive to bright light and many individuals experience extreme discomfort from exposure. Glare from sunlight can also exacerbate existing concerns with visual perception. 25. Climate change impacts that increase the amount of human exposure to ultraviolet radiation may also increase the amount of ultraviolet radiation that individuals are exposed to indoors. In Brazil, the previous Independent Expert met with persons with albinism, including babies as young as 8 months old, who had been burned indoors as a result of exposure to ultraviolet rays in inadequate housing conditions and a lack of protection devices such as sunscreen ( A/HRC/46/32/Add.1, para. 60). 26. As human exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases owing to climate change, access to mitigation measures, such as broad-spectrum high sun protection factor sunscreen, protective clothing (e.g. hats and long-sleeved tops made of dense, ultraviolet-resistant material) and environmental modifications (e.g. shaded coverings, ultraviolet protective window film), are vital to ensure that persons with albinism enjoy the highest attainable standard of health. As such, sunscreen is essential for persons with albinism and is a life-saving product similar to essential medications. However, research shows that persons with albinism are disproportionately more likely to experience poverty compared with the general population. 20 At the same time, the high levels of ultraviolet protection required by persons with albinism mean that the products they need are usually more expensive and difficult to obtain compared with non-ultraviolet protective alternatives on the market. Products such as sunscreen are also depleted rapidly as a result of regular use. Therefore, many persons with albinism simply cannot afford the costs associated with these products, including the costs associated with travelling to buy them. 27. There are few government initiatives globally that provide free or low -cost sunscreen and protective gear, and where such schemes are available (e.g. though health services) they may not be easily accessible to all persons with albinism. In several countries, many persons with albinism, in particular those living in rural or remote areas, are unable to access health-care services within or close to their communities. 21 Consequently, they may be required to undertake long journeys outdoors to buy needed protective products or access health services, thereby increasing their exposure to ultraviolet radiation and elevating their risk of skin cancer and other skin damage. 28. There is very poor awareness among many health professionals about the health needs of adults and children with albinism, including with respect to sun protection and skin cancer. 22 There have been cases where persons with albinism presenting with skin cancer have been turned away by providers with only a bandage because cancerous lesions have been misinterpreted as a normal part of their condition. 23 Other __________________ 19 20 21 22 23 8/23 Ibid., footnote 12. Ikponwosa Ero and others, People with Albinism Worldwide. Ibid. Barbara Astle and others, “Global impact of climate change on persons with albinism: a human rights issue”, The Journal of Climate Change and Health, vol. 9 (January–February 2023). Ikponwosa Ero and others, People with Albinism Worldwide. 23-13701