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Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism

Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Year
2016
Document code
A/71/255
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Document

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism

Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Year
2017
Document code
A/HRC/34/59
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Document

Vision for the mandate

Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Year
2016
Document code
A/HRC/31/63
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Document

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 58

Paragraph text
In order to identify best practices, the Independent Expert intends to hold broad consultations with all stakeholders, including persons with albinism, civil society organizations, Governments and other relevant bodies.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 81

Paragraph text
The root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism are found in a combination of factors. Aspects of these root causes, such as poverty and impunity, have already been identified outside the context of attacks against persons with albinism and efforts to tackle them tend to be under way in countries where such attacks are reported. However, deeply rooted myths and, in particular, witchcraft beliefs and practices pose a major challenge that has yet to be addressed. They are a key factor fuelling attacks, yet they are often riddled with secrecy and are deeply entrenched, historically and culturally. Another difficulty with regard to these root causes is the shortage of best practices on the matter, including tackling the many challenges that arise from the link to the supernatural, which can complicate evidence-gathering in the framework of a legal approach. The phenomenon certainly calls for further study and a creative but balanced approach, to curb or mitigate its negative implications for human rights, while protecting freedom of belief.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 72

Paragraph text
Although various attacks have been reported in urban areas, persons with albinism living in remote rural areas are particularly targeted. The situation is pronounced in border communities. The resource shortage faced by law enforcement in these areas, and the absence of civil society organizations to follow up on reported cases, are key intervening factors explaining this trend. Further, given that these areas are often challenged by a significant lack of access to information and education, myths about albinism and witchcraft practice tend to be more rampant there. Weak border patrol is also an issue in these areas as it facilitates cross-border trafficking of persons and body parts. In this regard, there is a crucial need for bilateral and multilateral agreements enhancing cooperation between the police of States sharing a common border to improve the investigation and prosecution of cross-border cases. This is particularly important for prosecuting more end-users of body parts since they are sometimes located in countries bordering the one where the victim was attacked.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Violence
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 64

Paragraph text
An analogy can be drawn from the positive correlation found between witch-hunting and poverty. In his study of the phenomenon of witch killings, Edward Miguel uses rainfall variation to estimate the impact of income shocks on murders in rural areas of the United Republic of Tanzania. He noted that rainfall extremes (drought or flood) led to an income drop, and linked that information to data on witch killings in the villages. While undesirable levels of rainfall led to a large increase in the number of murders of "witches", it had no impact on the number of other types of murder. He concluded that income drops caused by undesirable levels of rain and related economic hardship are key factors in the killings of so-called witches. A similar correlation was established in a study by Emily Oster which focused on the Renaissance period in Europe. She noted that one of the sharpest drops in temperature, which negatively impacted economic growth, coincided with the reinvigoration of witchcraft trials. Both studies highlight the link between poverty or income reduction and reliance on supernatural beliefs, including witchcraft, for explaining the misfortune.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Poverty
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 99b (i)

Paragraph text
[The Independent Expert recommends that the international community:] Continue to work to: Clarify the international human rights framework that is particularly relevant to trafficking in body parts;
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
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 98a

Paragraph text
[The Independent Expert recommends that Governments, together with civil society and academia:] Conduct in-depth research on root causes of attacks against persons with albinism, including on harmful practices related to witchcraft;
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 97f

Paragraph text
[Accordingly, the Independent Expert recommends that Governments:] Ensure the systematic collection of disaggregated data on persons with albinism, including through birth and death registers, as well as on attacks against persons with albinism, trafficking in body parts and accusations of witchcraft.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Health
  • Violence
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 97e

Paragraph text
[Accordingly, the Independent Expert recommends that Governments:] Ensure prompt investigation and prosecution of cases of attacks against persons with albinism as well as trafficking of body parts for muti or juju;
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Health
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 97d

Paragraph text
[Accordingly, the Independent Expert recommends that Governments:] Review and adapt legal frameworks as needed to ensure that they encompass all aspects of attacks against persons with albinism, including with regard to trafficking of body parts;
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Health
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 97c

Paragraph text
[Accordingly, the Independent Expert recommends that Governments:] Regulate the practice of traditional medicine, including through mechanisms such as a Government-led licensing and monitoring regime in both urban and rural areas, and establish adequate standards for traditional medicine;
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 97b

Paragraph text
[Accordingly, the Independent Expert recommends that Governments:] Develop, adopt and implement action plans or strategies addressing, from a multisectoral approach, harmful practices linked to witchcraft and their impact on all victims, including persons with albinism, in consultation with civil society;
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 97a

Paragraph text
[Accordingly, the Independent Expert recommends that Governments:] Review with a human rights approach, and repeal if necessary, outdated legislation on witchcraft;
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 95

Paragraph text
Addressing deeply rooted beliefs and practices such as witchcraft necessitates efforts in public education, which ought to be sustained even when the most visible aspects of the consequences of witchcraft on persons with albinism, namely the attacks against persons with albinism, appear to be decreasing.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Education
  • Harmful Practices
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 94

Paragraph text
It is important to ensure that all stakeholders are closely associated with the development and implementations of any strategies, including all relevant government entities, academia and civil society, in particular, traditional healers, faith-based organizations, organizations of persons with albinism and human rights organizations.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 93

Paragraph text
Meanwhile, strategies such as action plans designed to address witchcraft and attacks against persons with albinism should encompass a variety of measures, inter alia, to reinforce the existing legal framework, enhance the protection of persons with albinism, ensure awareness-raising and strengthen research and data collection.
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
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 85

Paragraph text
Information on albinism, particularly on attacks and trafficking of body parts, requires further clarification and, in some cases, verification. Statistics, including disaggregated data, are fundamental to improving and strategically enabling the implementation of policies and action plans.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 77

Paragraph text
Attacks against persons with albinism are characterized by the hacking off of body parts. This appears to be the primary purpose of a majority of attacks. Body parts such as limbs are removed from the body and transported to alleged witchdoctors for the purpose of concocting muti or juju medicines and potions.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Health
  • Violence
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 70

Paragraph text
In certain countries, organizations of traditional healers have established oversight systems to control the practice of their members. This is the case in Mozambique, where oversight takes the form of voluntary registration in the association of traditional healers.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 68

Paragraph text
The repeal of the Sorcery Act followed a nationwide consultation and review by the Constitutional Law Reform Commission. The Commission found that the law, although rarely used, contained various contradictions and inconsistencies, and was difficult to enforce. The Commission also found that the Act used ambiguous terminology. For example, it referred to the difference between "innocent" and "forbidden" sorcery, but did not clearly specify what those acts constituted. The Commission also reflected on the technical difficulty of identifying the consequences of sorcery in a court procedure and on linking sorcery to a given consequence, as it was practically impossible to provide evidence that would prove its use. Further, the Commission found that the Act focused principally on the sorcerer as the perpetrator and did not adequately address violence perpetrated against persons accused of sorcery or of being a sorcerer. The Commission also found that the existence of the Act itself could perpetuate belief in sorcery as a means of harming or killing another person. Finally, the Commission found that sorcery as such was not a matter falling under the jurisdiction of courts and tribunals, but was to be dealt with by religious and spiritual leaders. However, any violence related to witchcraft, including murders and attacks, was a criminal offence that should be treated as such by the courts and tribunals (see A/HRC/23/49/Add.2, paras. 64-66).
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
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 67

Paragraph text
In 2013, the Parliament of Papua New Guinea repealed the Sorcery Act (1971) in total. The Act, whose objective was "to prevent and punish evil practices of sorcery and other similar evil practices", acknowledged the existence of sorcery and criminalized its practice, including attacks against people accused of sorcery. In 2014, new legislation criminalizing killings related to sorcery was enacted.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Governance & Rule of Law
  • Harmful Practices
  • Social & Cultural Rights
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 63

Paragraph text
Both plans adopt a multisectoral approach intended to address albinism as a cross- cutting issue. This approach is necessary to expedite integration of the issue into existing departments while harnessing the varied expertise of stakeholders in the development of specific programmes aimed at persons with albinism.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Economic Rights
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 60

Paragraph text
Action plans and policies that are currently being used and developed in countries such as Malawi and Mozambique to address attacks against persons with albinism include tools for addressing the root causes of attacks, including witchcraft.
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
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 57

Paragraph text
The Government of Papua New Guinea has taken notable steps since 2013 to address sorcery-related violence. Although there are no recorded cases of attacks against persons with albinism in Papua New Guinea, measures were taken to address violence and killings related to witchcraft accusations, which are usually levied against women or members of other vulnerable groups.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Women
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 35

Paragraph text
Philip Alston has noted that reports from a surprisingly large number of countries in different regions of the world indicate that the intentional killing of individuals labelled as witches remains a significant and very troubling phenomenon; such killings are by no means a practice of the past.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Violence
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 27

Paragraph text
Muti is a Zulu word used in southern Africa that refers to types of traditional medicine, magical charms, potions or amulets. It has also been defined as a substance fabricated from plants, animals or minerals by a person possessing expert knowledge and skill. In West Africa, the term "juju" is used to refer to a similar practice. It is sometimes believed that the muti or juju will be more effective if it contains human body parts, in particular those of persons with albinism, as these are believed to be intrinsically magical or powerful, with the ability to produce wealth and confer good luck. "Muti murder", "medicine murder" and "juju" are therefore the terms most commonly associated with ritual attacks to produce charms, potions or amulets that involve the use of human body parts. In this context, muti and juju seem to be related to witchcraft and are therefore subsumed by the term "witchcraft" in the present report. In particular, witchcraft-related beliefs, rituals and practices seem to give energy and meaning to muti and juju. Even if in some cases witchcraft-related beliefs are described as superstitions unaffiliated with any religious systems, they can be harnessed by witchcraft practitioners to the detriment of various 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)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Social & Cultural Rights
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 25

Paragraph text
Witchcraft beliefs and related practices are not simply the repetition of ancient traditional practices; they can change or develop. While some beliefs and practices appear to have ancient origins that have been both preserved and adapted to contemporary contexts, other practices, such as the use of body parts from persons with albinism, are apparently of recent origin. In that regard, it would constitute a "new tradition" or an "invented tradition" that has been adapted or is adaptable to contemporary society. Some stakeholders suggest that attacks against persons with albinism are a recent phenomenon because of the rapid spread of the problem across multiple countries in the last 10 years. For example, stakeholders in Malawi and in Mozambique repeatedly stated that the use of body parts of persons with albinism was not a traditional practice in their respective countries and that it had developed recently, influenced by practices in other countries. However, there are insufficient data to support this assertion. In addition, even if it were substantiated, attacks and the use of body parts linked to witchcraft practices could not take hold so quickly in a country unless there was already a context facilitative of witchcraft beliefs and practices.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Social & Cultural Rights
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 20

Paragraph text
In a 2011 report, HelpAge International reviewed legislation adopted to address accusations of witchcraft and related violence in nine countries and came to similar conclusions. One of the key findings of the study was the difficulty, both nationally and regionally, encountered by these countries in defining witchcraft.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Violence
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 14

Paragraph text
In continuation of that report, the following analysis seeks to further understanding of the broader issue of root causes by looking specifically at witchcraft. Of all identified root causes, witchcraft is one of the most challenging, owing to the complexity and the inherent barriers to the conceptualization of the phenomena. Yet addressing witchcraft remains a priority, as it is at the crux of attacks against persons with albinism.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Violence
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 64

Paragraph text
In addition, the difficulty in accessing reliable data on cases of killings of and attacks against persons with albinism also hinders efforts to fight those horrendous human rights violations. Such data should include information on the number of cases registered, investigations, prosecutions and administrative and judicial decisions.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Violence
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 63

Paragraph text
Statistics and disaggregated data on albinism remain difficult to find, particularly in areas were the worst human rights violations against persons with albinism occur. In order to move towards policy changes, data collection, both qualitative and quantitative, and comparative analyses are fundamental in order to fully understand the current situation of persons with albinism.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 54

Paragraph text
The Independent Expert will also liaise closely with United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, regarding their work on persons with albinism. She wishes to stress the important role played by regional organizations, such as the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and looks forward to working closely with them.
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
  • Children
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 50

Paragraph text
The Independent Expert intends to build on the work already done to address the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism at the international level, including the work of the Human Rights Council and of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights through the provision of technical advice.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 42

Paragraph text
Children with albinism are often particular targets of attacks due to the witchcraft-based belief that the innocence of a victim from whom body parts are taken increases the potency of the potion for which the body parts are used. Cases reported by civil society indicate that children constitute a large proportion of victims of ritual attacks.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 29

Paragraph text
One of the main barriers to the implementation of the human rights of persons with albinism is discrimination and stigmatization, both of which are historically and culturally entrenched. Information on discrimination against persons with albinism has been received from around the world. However, the expression and severity of the discrimination faced by persons with albinism vary from region to region.
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 28

Paragraph text
According to information received, the erroneous beliefs and myths, including certain witchcraft practices, have led to the desecration of graves of persons with albinism. Such desecrations have been reported in at least seven countries in Africa. In the cases reported, graves of persons with albinism were open and body parts or bones were stolen.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 22

Paragraph text
The large number of cases reported by civil society no doubt represents a fraction of the attacks against persons with albinism. The secrecy that often surrounds ritual attacks, the complicity of family members in certain cases, the difficulty in accessing data owing to the fact that most attacks occur in rural environments, as well as the low response to such attacks may serve as hindrances to the reporting and visibility of attacks. Moreover, discrimination against persons with albinism and significant impunity may also have an impact on the reporting of such cases. Impunity was also highlighted by OHCHR, which had received information that persons with albinism faced significant difficulties in having their cases brought to justice. In a similar vein, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children has stated that the human rights violations committed against children with albinism are of the highest severity. Discrimination, harassment and violence, including cases of mutilation and murder, are often met with passivity and rarely reported, as they often take place in remote areas and because such children are perceived as bringing bad luck and being a source of shame to even their own families and communities. Mutilation and murders of children with albinism are mostly met by social silence and indifference.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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:] [Cross-border crime] Strengthen cross-border police cooperation through bilateral and multilateral agreements to better tackle trafficking in persons and body parts.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Movement
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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:] [Poverty] Continue adopting measures to address poverty, in light of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which pledges to leave no one behind, 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
  • Poverty
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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:] [Legal action] Designate, if necessary, law enforcement officials and prosecutors dedicated to cases of attack against persons with albinism, to improve accountability and reduce impunity.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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:] [Legal action] Ensure that the practice of using body parts for witchcraft-related practices is adequately and unambiguously criminalized in domestic legislation;
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Governance & Rule of Law
  • Harmful Practices
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 78

Paragraph text
The specificities of attacks against persons with albinism and their relationship to witchcraft have shed light on the inadequacy of domestic laws in some affected States. Criminal law and laws dealing with trafficking in persons often do not take into consideration the practice of trafficking for witchcraft purposes human body parts that are not organs. The key legislative framework, including criminal law, faces several challenges in the prosecution of cases involving the phenomenon of witchcraft, as criminal charges have often been viewed as falling short of capturing the reprehensibility of witchcraft practices and of deterring them. Witchcraft also poses problems for the rules of evidence and fair trial because of the supernatural aspect of the phenomenon. This has often resulted in the use of "the best available" laws, which provide neither adequate criminal charges nor sentences deemed proportionate to crimes of this nature. When charges are deemed weak, sentences are perceived to be lenient, or affordable in the case of fines, and their deterrent capacity is weakened because the perpetrator is still able to foresee an overall gain or profit from his or her crime.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 63

Paragraph text
Various authors have pointed out the connection between poverty and witchcraft and stressed that people with albinism in various parts of Africa experience attacks and threats to their safety as a result of superstitions, including witchcraft, which tend to thrive in time of economic deprivation.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 59

Paragraph text
Nevertheless, it is important to state categorically that none of the testimonies received by the Independent Expert supports the proposition that anyone, whether perpetrator, witchdoctor, traditional medicine practitioner, herbalist or buyer, has become wealthier after taking part in such attacks or after using charms and potions involving body parts of persons with albinism.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 53

Paragraph text
The livelihood of parents of children with albinism has also been affected by these atrocities. Owing to the need to stay at home and protect their children, parents do not tend their crops or go to market. Similarly, adults with albinism avoid attending to their farms and gardens as they used to. This has driven families already living in poverty into dire straits.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Poverty
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 52

Paragraph text
Other children have dropped out of school or have been withdrawn by their family to remain under the protection of their parents. The security of children both on the way to school and at school cannot be ensured, including during recesses. Most rural schools do not have basic security items such as fences to ensure the children's protection.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Education
  • Social & Cultural Rights
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 50

Paragraph text
Victims of attacks and their families are left deeply traumatized and are in dire need of assistance in rebuilding their lives and restoring their dignity, including psychosocial assistance.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 48

Paragraph text
In addition, there have been cases where persons with albinism themselves have been accused of witchcraft and persecuted as a result. This can be linked to some of the dehumanizing myths described above. Mothers of children with albinism have also, in certain instances, been accused of witchcraft for giving birth to a child with the condition.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Infants
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 47

Paragraph text
Today, it is highly concerning that witchcraft beliefs surrounding albinism have spread widely and that persons with albinism are often nicknamed "asset", "money", "deal" or "million" in reference to the alleged value of their body parts. Such taunts are reportedly widespread in both rural and urban environments, particularly in countries where attacks on persons with albinism are reported.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 44

Paragraph text
Rituals involving the use of body parts of persons with albinism have been reportedly used by football teams, wrestlers and musicians. Similar practices were reported for the purpose of winning an election, obtaining a job or promotion, or for business success.
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
  • Activists
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 36

Paragraph text
The present report will focus on the aspect of witchcraft relating to the ritual killing of persons with albinism for the use of body parts (also referred to as muti or juju), for the ultimate goal of obtaining an advantage or causing harm, or for any other purpose which necessitates the attribution of supernatural powers to the body parts.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • All
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 30

Paragraph text
One of the most extreme consequences of adhering to myths concerning albinism is infanticide. Although cases of infanticide of children with albinism are very hard to document, anecdotes and folk stories about the killing at birth of such children, particularly in rural areas, are common.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 23

Paragraph text
In areas where myths are prevalent, the birth of a child with albinism is often viewed as a social tragedy. Ridicule, blame-throwing, harrowing family intervention and pressure placed on parents or on the mother of the child are commonplace. Because of the social stigma attached to having a child with albinism, fathers of children with albinism sometimes decide to abandon their partners, leaving those children to be brought up in challenging conditions by single mothers. Often, such a single mother and her child are further relegated to the fringes of the community to avoid contaminating others with her "curse". In other instances, mothers voluntarily relocate away from the community to minimize taunts and harassment from others. Therefore, raising a child with albinism in these contexts, either as a single mother or in a family, is synonymous with a life of exclusion and poverty - one that leaves the child with albinism vulnerable to both sexual and physical attack, as has been demonstrated by reported cases. In other cases, children with albinism have been abandoned or rejected from their birth by both mother and father and have grown up in orphanages and on the streets.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Poverty
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 22

Paragraph text
Myths yield several interrelated consequences. According to contributions received by the Independent Expert, these consequences are manifested in the lives of persons with albinism in the form of abandonment by their families; normalized isolation and discrimination by their communities; vulnerability to attacks; and infanticide.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Equality & Inclusion
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 16

Paragraph text
Most potent is the belief that persons with albinism can be used in money-making rituals and for good luck charms and amulets. The crux of this belief is the notion that the body parts of persons with albinism - their skin, hair, genitals and limbs - can generate financial and other desirable gains when used for witchcraft rituals, practices and paraphernalia.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 15

Paragraph text
Furthermore, myths also portray children with albinism as symbols of evil spirits that need to be chased away. To do so, it appears that rituals are conducted whereby the child is forced to drink a potion or go through other ritual ceremonies and trials by ordeal.
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
  • Children
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 8

Paragraph text
Similarly, myths accuse the mothers of children with albinism of having been unfaithful, specifically for having extraconjugal affairs with a white man, with a ghost or with a spirit such as the tokolosh (a malevolent spirit in the Shona tradition). There is also a myth that children with albinism are the product of incest.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 72

Paragraph text
Second are the inherent limits of self-regulation, weak law enforcement and the absence of a far-reaching oversight mechanism for both urban and rural areas. Further, self-regulation by organizations of traditional healers have done little to prevent purported practitioners of traditional medicine from establishing themselves on their own, with no oversight at all. Weak enforcement of government licensing systems has also led to similar situations.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Governance & Rule of Law
  • Harmful Practices
  • Health
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 46b

Paragraph text
[Accordingly, to be regarded as harmful, practices should meet any or a combination of the following criteria:] They constitute discrimination against women or children and are harmful insofar as they result in negative consequences for them as individuals or groups, including physical, psychological, economic and social harm and/or violence and limitations on their capacity to participate fully in society or develop and reach their full potential;
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 39

Paragraph text
The question of whether to criminalize acts of witchcraft was examined by Philip Alston. After considering various arguments in favour of criminalization, including that local customs should be reflected in national law; that criminal law should protect against all types of violence, including violence committed by occult means; and that the failure of criminal law to address such acts leads individuals to take the law into their own hands to achieve what is popularly considered to be a just and fair result, he concluded that the weight of the arguments against criminalization was superior. Criminalization would reinforce the social stigmatization of those accused, and such a prohibition of witchcraft might be socially perceived as providing legitimacy to the killing and ill-treatment of alleged witches. In addition, the very subjective nature of witchcraft, illustrated by the difficulty of finding a clear definition of the concept and the impossibility of identifying objective factors as evidence to be weighed in a court of law were sufficient bases on which to conclude that acts of witchcraft as such should not be criminalized. This does not mean that criminal action becomes legitimate when committed for witchcraft purposes, but rather that a licit action should not be considered a criminal act because it is conducted for witchcraft purposes. Objective criminal acts should be prosecuted, regardless of their (mere or inextricable) link to witchcraft.
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
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 29

Paragraph text
Although both children and adults are victims of attacks for the removal of body parts, civil society reports that children constitute the majority of victims. The apparent targeting of children is reportedly linked to the pursuit of innocence, which is believed to enhance the potency of the muti or juju. Further, children are more vulnerable to attacks because they are easy to find and capture and do not have the physical strength to fend off attackers.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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;
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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;
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 45a

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:] Effective protection of persons with albinism and members of their families;
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
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 40

Paragraph text
Yet, there are several effective ways to prevent skin cancer, including the use of sun protection cream, which is topically applied, or wearing sun-protective clothing with long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Given the accessibility and effectiveness of protective clothing, skin cancer could be significantly prevented at little cost with the right level of public education and early intervention programmes targeting persons with albinism and their families.
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
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 41

Paragraph text
Beliefs that potions containing body parts of persons with albinism can help with relationship problems or restore peace in the family also exist. Further, it is believed that when used in a fragrance, hairs of persons with albinism can be useful for women who want to seduce white men, or for keeping employment. The use for good luck of perfumes or soaps made with body parts of persons with albinism was also reported.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • Women
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 40

Paragraph text
There is a witchcraft belief that the screams of a victim being attacked for muti or juju enhance the power of the body parts; hence victims are often hacked while alive. In addition, there is a witchcraft belief that the greater the innocence of the victim whose body parts are being used, the greater the potency of the potion or amulet. This renders children, already vulnerable to attacks, a preferred target.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 31

Paragraph text
This seems to be a historical trend, as the nineteenth century Scottish missionary David Livingstone described the killing of a young boy with albinism by his mother: "the mother is said to have become tired of living apart from the father, who refused to have her while she retained their son. She took him out one day, and killed him close to the village of Mabotsa, and nothing was done to her by the authorities".
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Environment
  • Harmful Practices
Person(s) affected
  • Youth
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 84

Paragraph text
The Independent Expert also recommends that affected States and civil society, in close cooperation, systematically gather data and information on attacks against persons with albinism and conduct relevant studies with emphasis on trends and forms of attack, cases of discrimination and root causes, since data and research on this topic remain relatively scarce.
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
  • N.A.
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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:] [Legal action] Ensure that any act of discrimination against persons with albinism is adequately and proportionally sanctioned, including by considering "colour" as a ground of discrimination under domestic legislation;
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 96

Paragraph text
Further, in addressing the issue of attacks against persons with albinism, all initiatives are best taken using a dual or twin-track approach. Such an approach would, on the one hand, urgently deal with attacks and trafficking of body parts for muti and juju; on the other hand, measures employed should go beyond the emergency of attacks, inter alia, to address root causes of attacks including, and particularly, harmful practices linked to witchcraft.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 79

Paragraph text
In 2008, the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking convened a workshop on human trafficking for the removal of organs and body parts, at which it was stressed that the Protocol does not take trafficking in human organs into full consideration: it addresses trafficking in organs only for the purpose of organ removal. It does not cover the transfer of organs (for profit) alone, a situation that is analogous to the trafficking of body parts of persons with albinism.
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
  • Movement
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 71

Paragraph text
However, these efforts provide only limited control owing to several factors. First is the absence of a normative framework and legislative clarity on the difference between traditional medicine and witchcraft. This ambiguity is being abused by criminals posing as traditional healers, but also by genuine traditional healers who go beyond using herbs and animal body parts to using body parts of persons with albinism to attract a higher price for their services.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Health
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 61

Paragraph text
Malawi adopted a response plan in March 2015. It includes developing an education and awareness programme; strengthening community policing structures and the allocation of adequate police forces in the districts most affected by attacks; undertaking research to understand the root causes of attacks and trafficking in body parts; expediting prosecution of attacks; providing psychosocial support to victims; and the review, amendment and enactment of legislation where necessary to ensure the protection of persons with albinism.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 56

Paragraph text
Countries with records of attacks against persons with albinism, including both countries visited this year by the Independent Expert, demonstrated the challenge of the ambiguity between the two practices. This problem has already been identified by the Independent Expert as a root cause of attacks. The issue is further complicated by the lack of effective oversight over the practice of traditional healers, the secrecy that often surrounds witchcraft practice and the absence of a clear national policy position on the issue.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 24

Paragraph text
UNICEF extends this definition by adding that "witchcraft is a theory that explains and justifies a conception of the universe". With both conceptualizations, witchcraft could also be described as a religion or belief. In various countries affected by attacks against persons with albinism, witchcraft beliefs and practices are widespread. Adherents are found across various strata of society, transcending socioeconomic class, the urban-rural divide and levels of education.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 23

Paragraph text
From the sociological and anthropological perspectives, the following definition for witchcraft has been proposed by Marc Augé: witchcraft is "a set of beliefs, structured and shared by a given population that addresses the origin of misfortune, illness and death, and the set of practices for detection, treatment and punishment that corresponds to these beliefs". Often, the diagnostic aspect of witchcraft often pinpoints an individual person as the source of the misfortune within the family, place of employment or community.
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
  • Families
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 18

Paragraph text
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, in a 2009 report (A/HRC/11/2), stated that witchcraft "has not featured prominently on the radar screen of human rights monitors" and that "this may be due partly to the difficulty of defining 'witches' and 'witchcraft' across cultures - terms that, quite apart from their connotations in popular culture, may include an array of traditional or faith healing practices that are not easily defined".
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 65

Paragraph text
Similarly, understanding the root causes of attacks against persons with albinism is necessary in order to design strategies to address discrimination and attacks and to identify adequate prevention measures. The secrecy surrounding witchcraft practices and the underground nature of the market associated with the trafficking in body parts of persons with albinism make it difficult to find evidence. Understanding the phenomena and their implications would therefore be one of the priorities of the Independent Expert.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Health
  • Violence
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 45d

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:] Ensuring that victims and members of their families have access to appropriate remedies;
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
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 45b

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:] Conduct of impartial, speedy and effective investigations into attacks against persons with albinism;
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 35

Paragraph text
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 some countries, this has led to the categorization of persons with albinism as legally blind, which enables them to access the national legal frameworks in the field of the rights of persons with disabilities, including measures related to access to health and education.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Education
  • Equality & Inclusion
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • Persons with disabilities
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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:] [Legal action] Consider issuing practice directives and guidelines to complement and clarify existing laws and to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of cases of attack, particularly if the existing legislation needs to be reviewed to address the complexity of attacks against persons with albinism;
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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:] [Legal action] If necessary, review the legislation governing witchcraft-related practices to ensure that it is unambiguous in upholding human rights and is protective of vulnerable groups such as persons with albinism, while affirming the fundamental right to belief, which includes belief in witchcraft;
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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:] [Public education] Public education Ensure that public education campaigns address witchcraft-related practices affecting persons with albinism, particularly those leading to human rights violations. Such campaigns should also stress the reprehensible nature of these practices;
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Education
  • Equality & Inclusion
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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:] [Public education] Public education Ensure sustained and uninterrupted multi-year-long efforts in public education on albinism, particularly in rural and remote areas, as well as border communities, to provide relevant information about albinism, including the scientific reasons behind albinism, as well as 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)
  • Education
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 82

Paragraph text
The recommendations below, with the exception of those on witchcraft, have been identified through wide consultation with relevant stakeholders. They were identified by the 150 participants, including participants from civil society, government and national human rights institutions, in the Consultative Forum: Action on Albinism in Africa, hosted by the Independent Expert in Dar es Salaam, from 17 to 19 June 2016.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 71

Paragraph text
In a context where factual and scientific information on albinism is generally lacking or remains inaccurate, the disfiguration caused by skin cancer of persons with albinism may serve to strengthen myths and witchcraft beliefs, particularly those that supernaturalize and dehumanize persons with albinism. Given that such disfiguration is particularly commonplace where attacks have been reported, the prioritization of health interventions is bound to prevent illness, early death and attacks.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 67

Paragraph text
Information has been received that killings are known to peak during election times as demand for magical potions by politicians seeking election or re-election goes up. Civil society reported that, prior to several elections in the African region, the number of reported attacks increased in various countries. Internal conflicts or political tensions also provide a framework of uncertainty conducive to reliance on supernatural beliefs and witchcraft practices.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 62

Paragraph text
The insecurity of persons with albinism is directly affected by their poor living conditions. Some abductions and attacks have reportedly occurred in houses that do not have the most basic security features, including windows, wooden doors or locks. Most families living in such conditions do not have access to a phone line to call for help and do not have any means of transportation to rush persons who have been attacked to the closest medical facilities.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 58

Paragraph text
Although it is likely, given the alleged prices for body parts, that relatively wealthy individuals are involved in the attacks and in the market for body parts, some testimonies indicate that the demand for and use of body parts also comes from social classes with relatively limited economical means. There are reports of the use of body parts by fisherman wishing to increase their catch, artisanal miners, entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Economic Rights
  • Violence
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 57

Paragraph text
Furthermore, and given the high number of relatives of persons with albinism involved in such crimes, it could be argued that, in a context where a family member with albinism is often perceived as both a social and economic burden, relatives could be tempted to connive in such attacks, thinking erroneously that in doing so they could earn some income, while alleviating the "curse" or economic burden brought by their family member with albinism.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Economic Rights
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 51

Paragraph text
In this context and owing to their visibility in most of the affected communities, persons with albinism, and parents of children with albinism, constantly live in fear of attack. Many do not sleep peacefully and have deliberately restricted their movements to the necessary minimum, during daylight hours and when escorted by trustworthy persons. Mothers have sent their children to live with relatives or in boarding schools. Yet, even there the fear remains, as such establishments are often in need of increased security measures.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Humanitarian
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 45

Paragraph text
It was reported that witchcraft beliefs and associated practices relating to the body parts of persons with albinism have led to an underground black market in the purchase and sale of body parts. This entire phenomenon seems to have no historical precedent. Yet there is a reasonable link between historical discrimination and stigma (including myths relating to disappearances and infanticide) on the one hand and the current situation of attacks on the other - the former laying the foundation for the latter.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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".
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 28

Paragraph text
Similarly, myths contribute to minimizing the social impact of attacks against persons with albinism and justify their disappearance. In this regard, the testimony of a digger is telling as he explains that myths are used to "deceive people because the waganga [witchdoctors/traditional healers] believe that the zeruzeru [a pejorative term for a person with albinism] aren't missed in the community. They believe that they are not useful people and if they die they are not lost".
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Social & Cultural Rights
  • Violence
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 14

Paragraph text
This is the case, for example, in the myths that persons with albinism cannot see during the day but have excellent vision at night, that desirable minerals such as mercury and gold flow through their veins or that they float on water and cannot drown. Other myths seeking to dehumanize persons with albinism include those portraying them as cannibals or monstrous creatures in certain folktales, literature and films, or claiming that they can communicate with non-earthly or extraterrestrial beings.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Environment
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 26

Paragraph text
Attacks against persons with albinism in some areas have caused hundreds of persons, particularly women and children, to flee their homes and seek refuge in temporary shelters. This has been the case in remote border areas or in areas particularly affected by attacks.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Women
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 21

Paragraph text
Since 2007, civil society organizations have reported hundreds of attacks against persons with albinism in 25 countries. All of those physical attacks appear to be, at least in part, related to the erroneous beliefs and myths linked to witchcraft practices.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 34

Paragraph text
Accusations of witchcraft and related violence are one of the most visible and reported manifestations of belief in witchcraft. While reports indicate that persons with albinism are mainly affected by the muti and juju forms of witchcraft-related violence, mothers of children with albinism and children born with albinism have also reportedly been accused of witchcraft.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 30

Paragraph text
Civil society and other reliable sources have reported more than 600 cases of attacks against persons with albinism across 26 countries, the majority of them in the last eight years. These are only the known cases. The frequency of family involvement in attacks against persons with albinism and the lack of comprehensive monitoring of attacks have an impact on the gathering of complete data.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Families
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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".
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 34

Paragraph text
The term "persons with disabilities" under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has a broad scope and includes any person with a long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment, which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder his or her full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
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
  • Persons with disabilities
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 25

Paragraph text
Recent cases of body-parts trafficking that were brought to the attention of the Independent Expert by civil society include cases where law enforcement agencies acted promptly and were able to prevent the sale and save the persons with albinism involved. In a few other cases, however, the body parts were harvested and have still not been recovered.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Health
  • Violence
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 24

Paragraph text
In an environment where having albinism is regarded as a curse and where the myth that albinism can be contracted like a contagious disease is prevalent, crossing the road to avoid walking near or refusing to shake hands with persons with albinism is commonplace.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 42

Paragraph text
Despite these considerations, it appears that various countries with records of attacks do criminalize witchcraft, using a definition of the phenomena in their legislation. However, most of these laws were inherited from the colonial period and are often out of touch with present reality. They bear a limited understanding of witchcraft - its extent, scope, flexibility and evolution - and proffer a definition of the phenomena that is difficult to enforce.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Governance & Rule of Law
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 92

Paragraph text
That being said, given the extent of witchcraft practices and the diversity of victims of related harmful practices, including persons with albinism, a transversal approach is timely. This could be in the form of a guiding document that takes into account the several recommendations made to date, including by the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, the Constitutional Law Reform Commission of Papua New Guinea and the preliminary conclusions of the Independent Expert.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 91

Paragraph text
Witchcraft practice, in particular the use of body parts of persons with albinism for muti or juju, is undeniably one of the main root causes of attacks against persons with albinism. However, owing to challenges in conceptualizing "witchcraft" using objective elements, attempts at establishing clear legal boundaries around such practices - including to deter related harmful practices - have been elusive. One key exception is witchcraft accusations, an aspect of witchcraft practice that can be, and has been, legally captured with objective elements because there is no need to define "witchcraft" itself to achieve the purpose of preventing accusations and related violence.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 89

Paragraph text
The Independent Expert recommends the implementation of similar projects in all countries affected by any or all of the phenomena of attacks, discrimination and stigma against persons with albinism. Such projects should not be interrupted and last for a minimum of two years. Content should be accessible, including through the use of vernacular languages. Social media, mobile phone technology, community radio, rural cinema and television programmes have also proven to be particularly useful for awareness-raising. Creative awareness-raising methodologies and new ways of presenting information, including through community theatre and celebrity ambassadors, have also been successful.
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
  • All
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 88

Paragraph text
The project illustrated the value of such campaigns and associated post-project evaluation not only for the dissemination of information and changing of attitudes and behaviour but also to gather data, as they revealed instructive patterns in the targeted communities. For example, the belief that body parts of a person with albinism have magical powers was found among respondents adhering to various religious groups: Christians, Muslims and traditional believers. In the context of the survey, the latter group had the highest number of believers in that myth. This type of information is helpful for understanding the character of the problem and grounding solutions such as working with all religious leaders. It also identifies areas where increased public education efforts or more targeted projects might be warranted. The evaluation found that youth and women were more likely to have misconceived notions about albinism than men. This suggests that the project did not reach women and youth to the same extent as it did men and that it is necessary to plan and implement further interventions that target these groups in particular.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Education
  • Equality & Inclusion
Person(s) affected
  • Men
  • Women
  • Youth
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 87

Paragraph text
Public education, including awareness-raising on the scientific explanations for albinism, is one of the most fundamental tools for changing myths and erroneous beliefs that trigger violence against persons with albinism. For example, in a pilot project carried out in 2015-2016, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization country office in the United Republic of Tanzania undertook community sensitization using community radio and employing the sociocultural approach by empowering key community stakeholders such as teachers, health workers, traditional leaders, traditional healers and family members of persons with albinism to in turn mobilize their communities to protect and promote the well-being and rights of people with albinism. The project was a marked success. A post-project evaluation report revealed a quantifiable increase - in the double digits - in the percentage of people claiming knowledge about albinism, including its genetic basis and that it is not a curse.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Education
  • Social & Cultural Rights
Person(s) affected
  • Families
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 82

Paragraph text
In the absence of specific legislation covering trafficking of body parts, some States have been confronted with a legal gap when they arrest persons for trafficking body parts of persons with albinism such as bones, hair and limbs. In response to this situation, in Malawi for example, the judiciary has made creative use of the Anatomy Act, which was not drafted with the horrendous crimes perpetrated against persons with albinism in mind. The Act, which was drafted for a medical context, carries relatively light penalties but was, until recent reforms, the only instrument available to prosecute cases of possession of body parts of persons with albinism.
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
  • Violence
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 81

Paragraph text
In addition, it is not certain that body parts, such as limbs hacked off, seized and transported for the sake of muti or juju, would fall under the definition of "organ" in both international and national trafficking laws. Neither the Protocol nor other global instruments addressing trafficking for the removal and sale of organs, such as the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography or the WHO Guiding Principles on Human Organ Transplantation, defines "organ". However, a definition of "organ" is provided by a specific regional instrument on the issue, namely the Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs, which defines "human organ" as "a differentiated part of the human body formed by different tissues, that maintains its structure, vascularisation and capacity to develop physiological functions with a significant level of autonomy".
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
  • Movement
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 80

Paragraph text
The Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, in her 2013 report to the General Assembly (A/68/256), stated that the difference between trafficking in organs and trafficking in persons for the removal of organs was largely semantic, given that organs were not moved or traded independently of their source, because the victim was moved or positioned in such a way as to make transplantation possible. However, the hypothesis regarding attacks against persons with albinism suggests a different context. Here the purpose is not the transplantation of a functional organ, but the collection of a body part for muti or juju. Although some cases of trafficking of persons with albinism have been reported, in the majority of the cases, the victims are attacked in their homes or while carrying out their ordinary activities, and their body parts hacked off their living or dead bodies at the place of the attack, or close by. In such cases, it cannot be considered that the victims are trafficked, yet their body parts are being harvested, transported and sold.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Health
  • Movement
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Women
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 78

Paragraph text
The Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime defines trafficking as "the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation". A similar definition is used in most legislation addressing trafficking in persons.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Governance & Rule of Law
  • Movement
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Women
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 76

Paragraph text
In the public interest, it is also important that States ensure adequate standards for traditional medicine. There must be minimum requirements for all practitioners, regardless of whether they are affiliated with an organization. The standards must be in line with established human rights norms, without compromising the core principles of availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of goods and services. The obligation on States also extends to ensuring that practitioners do not conduct harmful practices, including the use of body parts of persons with albinism for muti or juju.
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
  • All
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 74

Paragraph text
The adoption of regulatory measures regarding traditional medicine would benefit from a Government-enforced monitoring mechanism that reaches rural, remote and border areas, particularly where attacks against persons with albinism have been reported. It is also critical that any legislation enacted regarding the practice of traditional medicine be accompanied by public education campaigns explaining the criminal nature of witchcraft-related attacks and violence. In addition, efforts should be made to ensure that relevant legislative developments are communicated to practitioners of traditional medicine and that the new provisions are effective and enforced.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 69

Paragraph text
It is likely that similar laws, including those inherited from the colonial era, when examined in the light of the principles of human rights, including the rule of law and the right to a fair trial, would lead to outcomes similar to the ones prescribed by the Commission. They include repealing outdated legislation on witchcraft, while emphasizing the necessity of sanctioning persons who accuse others of witchcraft; making it generally known that harmful practices related to witchcraft would be prosecuted; and ensuring that mere belief in witchcraft is not criminalized. However, as witchcraft in general has yet to feature prominently on the radar of human rights mechanisms, the initiation of a system-wide approach, beginning with a scaled-up version of the exercise conducted in Papua New Guinea, including an exercise in definition, is timely.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Governance & Rule of Law
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 66

Paragraph text
Measures identified can be implemented by integrating them into existing, broader frameworks, including laws and policies to implement the rights of persons with disabilities, on access to health, on the rights of women and children, on access to justice services, on victim support services and to eliminate racial discrimination (including discrimination based on colour). Such measures should be extended to the family members of persons with albinism and, in particular, to mothers of children with albinism and women generally. At the same time, specific measures of protection and anti-discrimination for persons with albinism should also be carried out where possible, particularly in countries affected by attacks against persons with albinism and where neglect of this group has been historical and dire.
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
  • Families
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Women
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 65

Paragraph text
The Independent Expert emphasizes the need to incorporate in the plan, as in all initiatives on the issue, a dual or twin-track approach. This includes, on the one hand, an emergency and priority response in the area of protection against and prevention of attacks and, on the other hand, the adoption of long-term policies to fight discrimination; address rampant myths, dangerous misconceptions, stigma and witchcraft practices affecting persons with albinism; and ensure full enjoyment by those persons of their socioeconomic rights, among others.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Equality & Inclusion
  • Humanitarian
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 62

Paragraph text
Similarly, on 24 November 2015, Mozambique adopted an action plan to respond to attacks, with concrete, time-bound measures. The action plan is based on a preliminary socio-anthropological study on albinism conducted by the Institute of Social-Cultural Research. The main areas of the action plan are promoting education on albinism, public education and awareness-raising on the issue among families and communities; guaranteeing protection and social assistance to persons with albinism; ensuring prevention of attacks, legal assistance and procedural celerity; sharing and publication of judicial decisions as a means of deterrence; and conducting further research to improve measures identified in the plan and to support evidence-based policymaking.
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
  • Families
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 58

Paragraph text
As noted during the universal periodic review of Papua New Guinea, the National Action Plan against Sorcery- and Witchcraft-related Violence was approved in 2015 (A/HRC/33/10). The Action Plan is supported by the national and provincial committees, which serve to ensure its implementation to complement existing laws that address sorcery and witchcraft-related killings and violence. The Action Plan, which puts emphasis on strengthening partnerships between relevant stakeholders, has five core areas: legal reforms and protection; health; advocacy and communication; care and counselling; and research. Each area contains a few key recommendations and sets out concrete activities to be implemented. It also allocates specific responsibilities to particular departments and organizations, establishes time frames, and highlights the human and financial resources necessary to implement them.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Governance & Rule of Law
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 55

Paragraph text
The present report does not question the necessity, complementarity or usefulness of traditional medicine. However, the broad definition of the concept has led to situations where the difference between witchcraft practitioners and traditional doctors is difficult to establish in practice. For example, the Independent Expert has seen advertisements in newspapers posted by "traditional healers" offering to make clients richer, cure incurable diseases, secure release from prison, and making other claims that are more suggestive of witchcraft than traditional medicine. In this context, the ideological affinity found between patients and traditional medicine could facilitate witchcraft as a harmful practice because witchcraft can have a diagnostic objective that could implicate innocent third parties - for example, persons known to and disliked by the patient - as the source of a patient's problem.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Health
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 53

Paragraph text
WHO suggested that regardless of the reason why an individual used it, traditional medicine provided an important health-care service to persons without geographic or financial access to health care. The Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, in his report to the Human Rights Council in 2008, echoed general comment No. 14, stating that "a health system is required to take into account traditional preventive care, healing practices and medicines" (see A/HRC/7/11, paragraph 44). In addition, he also stated, in his 2006 report to the General Assembly (A/61/338), in which he examined the right to health and maternal mortality, that all medicines had to be culturally acceptable and respectful of medical ethics. He suggested, for example, that national measures should support the proper use of traditional medicine and its integration into health-care systems, while clinical trials must obtain the informed consent of research subjects.
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
  • All
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 52

Paragraph text
One third of the world's population and over half of the populations of the poorest parts of Asia and Africa do not have regular access to allopathic drugs, including essential medicines. In its global study, WHO reported that the most commonly reported reasons for using traditional medicine were that it was more affordable and accessible, less paternalistic than allopathic medicine and consequently often closer to the patient's ideology. During the visit of the Independent Expert to Mozambique, the very high number of traditional medicine practitioners registered with the main association of traditional healers suggested that resort to traditional medicine was popular.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • All
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 51

Paragraph text
In its global study on the legal status of traditional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine, WHO recognized both mainstream medical care (allopathic medicine) and complementary/alternative medicine, terms that were used interchangeably with "traditional medicine" in some countries. Given the broadness of the term "traditional medicine" and the wide range of practices it encompassed, traditional medicine was difficult to define with a finite list of objective criteria. However, WHO provided a helpful list of what might be included: a diversity of health practices, approaches, knowledge, and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and/or mineral-based medicines; spiritual therapies; manual techniques; and exercises, applied singly or in combination, to maintain well-being, as well as to treat, diagnose or prevent illness.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • All
  • N.A.
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 49

Paragraph text
The right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health was first articulated in the 1946 Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO), whose preamble states that "the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition". Similarly, article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights mentions health as part of the right to an adequate standard of living. Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights provides the most comprehensive normative framework on the right to the highest attainable standard of health. The article has been interpreted as inclusive of specific entitlements, including the right to an adequate system of health protection, the right to prevention and treatment of illnesses, the right to access essential medicines, the provision of health-related education and information, as well as participation of those concerned in health-related decisions.
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
  • All
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 47

Paragraph text
Attacks against persons with albinism for the purpose of obtaining and using body parts in muti or juju as well as accusations of witchcraft match these criteria for harmful practices. In the publication on harmful practices issued by her Office, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, quoting the UNICEF study, reported that "discrimination, violence and harmful practices against children with albinism have reached alarming proportions". She added that there were no cultural or religions justifications for such 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
  • Social & Cultural Rights
Person(s) affected
  • Children
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 45

Paragraph text
In joint general recommendation No. 31/general comment No. 18, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Committee on the Rights of the Child have provided guidance on what constitutes harmful practices, which are defined as "persistent practices and forms of behaviour that are grounded in discrimination on the basis of, among other things, sex, gender and age, in addition to multiple and/or intersecting forms of discrimination that often involve violence and cause physical and/or psychological harm or suffering".
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
  • Children
  • Women
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 43

Paragraph text
It is important to reiterate that although witchcraft per se should not be criminalized, any killing of persons for the use of body parts in witchcraft-related practices such as muti or juju should be prosecuted. To do so, it is necessary to ensure that legal provisions criminalize a broad range of attacks and assaults, as well as criminalize the possession and trafficking of body parts. Linking such a criminal action to muti and juju would be challenging, given the difficulty in establishing objective evidentiary standards. Nonetheless, where evidence substantially supports the proposition that muti and juju were the purpose of the criminal activity, States could consider including that factor as an aggravating circumstance leading to a heavier sentence and ultimately deter crime incentivized by witchcraft. Non-legal tools such as public education and sociocultural interventions with stakeholders would also be necessary to complement such legal practice in dissuading muti, juju and all crimes related to witchcraft.
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
  • All
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 38

Paragraph text
In addition, the common belief that persons with albinism are a bad omen or a curse on their family or on the community, although not, stricto sensu, a witchcraft accusation, does attribute evil qualities to a newborn, with an impact on the mothers and family members in a manner that is strongly analogous to the impact stemming from witchcraft accusations. Consequently, infanticide, abandonment of children with albinism and exclusion of the children and their mothers from community life (either structural expulsion or exclusion from participation) have been reported to the Independent Expert.
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
  • Children
  • Families
  • Infants
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 37

Paragraph text
In its study on children accused of witchcraft, UNICEF reported that, in many African societies, births considered "abnormal" were generally surrounded by a complex system of representations and rituals. Such births included twins, "badly born" children and persons with albinism. Cases have been reported of parents killing their babies born with albinism for being witches. Where these children are not killed at birth, they are often taken to a spiritual leader or traditional healer to be "healed" through various forms of violent exorcism. Similarly, in a report published by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence Against Children in 2012, it is stressed that vulnerable children such as children with disabilities, children with albinism, premature babies or specially gifted children are often the target of witchcraft accusations. The link between witchcraft and persons with albinism was also noted in western Sudan where persons with albinism were accused of taking part in "strange and dangerous practices" related to witchcraft.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Infants
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 36

Paragraph text
In the report of her mission to Papua New Guinea (A/HRC/23/49/Add.2), the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences stated that she had witnessed brutal assaults perpetrated against suspected sorcerers, which in many cases included torture, rape, mutilation and murder. Similarly, in the report of her mission to India (A/HRC/26/38/Add.1), she explained that the stigma attached to women who were labelled "witches" and the rejection they experienced within their communities led not only to various human rights violations but constituted an obstacle to gaining access to justice. She also noted that such labelling affected family members across generations. Further, the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, in the report of his mission to Ghana (A/HRC/25/60/Add.1), invited special procedure mandate holders to follow up on practices in "witch camps" where, it was reported, women - particularly elderly women - were banished once they had been labelled as witches.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Families
  • Women
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 32

Paragraph text
However, one of the major challenges in prosecuting attacks has been the inability to identify and prosecute the last two categories of perpetrators. The collection of evidence on the entire chain of criminal command of attacks against persons with albinism is often hindered by the secrecy surrounding witchcraft practice, the participation of family members in perpetrating attacks, the inability or fear of victims and their families to report attacks, as well as the limited financial, human and technical resources at the disposal of law enforcement agents in the concerned countries.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Families
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 31

Paragraph text
Attacks against persons with albinism often involve three types of perpetrators: persons who hunt, attack, kill and dismember persons with albinism and transport their body parts; persons, often presenting themselves as witchdoctors, who prepare the muti or juju using the body parts; and persons who obtain or purchase the muti or juju. Each of these actions constitutes a crime and should therefore be investigated and prosecuted under relevant criminal law provisions, irrespective of whether they are connected to muti, juju or witchcraft.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Violence
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 28

Paragraph text
Persons with albinism are victims of ritual attacks. It is believed that their body parts can bring, inter alia, wealth and good luck when used in potions made by practitioners of witchcraft, referred to as witchdoctors. Persons with albinism who are victims of such attacks are often dismembered and their body parts stolen, including limbs, genitals and hair. In addition, body parts are often taken from live victims because of the related belief that the intensity of their screams while being dismembered enhances the potency of the muti or juju.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 26

Paragraph text
Although belief in, and practice of, witchcraft can be associated in certain cases with empowerment, healing and cleansing, attacks and use of body parts of persons with albinism, regardless of the purpose for which they are used, cannot under any circumstances be considered an elemental part of any legitimate practice, whether linked to witchcraft or to traditional medicine, because such acts inherently constitute criminal activity and other human rights violations. Consequently, they cannot be justified on the basis of tradition, traditional medicine, or any other ground.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Social & Cultural Rights
Person(s) affected
  • All
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 22

Paragraph text
Evans-Pritchard distinguishes between "witchcraft" and "sorcery". According to his definition, witches have supernatural powers and operate in secret, in order to harm victims by devouring their life essence. In contrast, a sorcerer is someone who does harm by using plant substances and rituals. The use of body parts of persons with albinism in amulets, charms, potions or other preparations could arguably fall under either category. Therefore, in the present report, the Independent Expert will use the term "witchcraft" to denote both concepts. She will not use the term "magic", which has been employed in some cases to describe attacks against persons with albinism, because it seems to have a dual quality of both benevolence and malevolence, and may therefore be misunderstood. Since the report intends to capture witchcraft in the broader sense and its negative impact on persons with albinism, the term "magic" - in its malevolent form - will be understood to be subsumed by the term "witchcraft".
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 21

Paragraph text
According to a study undertaken by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the French notion of "sorcery" and the English notion of "witchcraft" were introduced to Africa by the first Europeans explorers, colonialists and missionaries and, strongly influenced by European history, were pejorative. These concepts were employed to translate the terms used in vernacular languages for local realities. The notion of witchcraft, as used in the present report, therefore refers to multiple concepts covered by a variety of different terms referring to various phenomena whose interpretation relies on their context. It is nevertheless generally agreed that in all cultural contexts, witchcraft refers to negative occult or mystical forces, although it has been - albeit less frequently - associated with positive connotations such as empowerment and cleansing.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Social & Cultural Rights
Person(s) affected
  • Children
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Witchcraft and the human rights of persons with albinism 2017, para. 17

Paragraph text
In the international human rights framework, persons with albinism have normative protection in the International Bill of Rights covering all their fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, physical integrity, liberty, security, the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and an adequate standard of living. Further protection can be found in specific instruments, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which proscribes "racial discrimination" based on colour.
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
  • Persons with disabilities
Year
2017
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 68

Paragraph text
The Independent Expert reiterates her desire to engage constructively with affected States specifically to delve into the root causes of discrimination, stigmatization and attacks on persons with albinism so as to establish preventive measures. She also looks forward to various forms of in-depth engagement with Members States of the United Nations and emphasizes the importance of an inclusive and all-encompassing approach in the execution of her mandate. Finally, the Independent Expert notes the central and complementary role of civil society, particularly non-governmental organizations and academia, in providing her with necessary information for building sustainable platforms for 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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 66

Paragraph text
The Independent Expert views the creation of the mandate as a significant expression of the collective will to end attacks against persons with albinism and to find their root causes in order to establish measures to prevent the occurrence of attacks. As stated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, "There is no room in this 21st century for erroneous and harmful beliefs, or for discrimination on any grounds. People with albinism are just as deserving of dignity as every other human being."
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
  • All
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 60

Paragraph text
Furthermore, the Independent Expert will give particular importance to her mandate to conduct, facilitate and support the provision of advisory services, technical assistance, capacity-building and international cooperation in support of national efforts for the effective realization of the rights of persons with albinism and to prevent violence. She is therefore particularly committed to fostering capacity-building of national stakeholders, promoting exchanges on challenges and experiences and supporting efforts in translating international norms into national legislation, policies, programmes and practices that are effective and adapted to national circumstances.
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
  • All
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 57

Paragraph text
Guided by her mandate to identify, exchange and promote good practices relating to the realization of the rights of persons with albinism and their participation as equal members of society, she will strive to identify effective measures to address discrimination against persons with albinism at all levels, including with regard to access to health and education. This collection of best practices would address the protection and promotion of human rights of people with albinism and focus on issues beyond attacks, namely discrimination and equality.
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
  • All
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 52

Paragraph text
The Independent Expert looks forward to working closely with all special procedure mandate holders so as to harmonize efforts in addressing the many obstacles to the full enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism. She sees close connections between her mandate and those of other special procedures, such as the rights of persons with disabilities; the right to education; the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice; violence against women; contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; and cultural rights. The Independent Expert also intends to work in close cooperation with the mandate holders on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography; and trafficking in persons, especially women and children.
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
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Women
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 51

Paragraph text
The findings of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee will also guide the Independent Expert in her work. In its report to the Human Rights Council, the Advisory Committee stressed the need for increased engagement of international and regional mechanisms with the issue of persons with albinism and lamented that efforts, however, continue to be fragmented and only partially address the complexity of the human rights challenges that persons with albinism face. A more sustainable response, to bridge protection gaps and to ensure accountability for human rights violations committed against persons with albinism, is required.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 48

Paragraph text
The Independent Expert will pay particular attention to the practices and legal approaches of countries to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism. She envisages wide consultation particularly among persons with albinism on their views on discrimination. She will follow with interest debates on the ways to approach such issues at the national, regional and international levels. The Independent Expert looks forward to working closely with experts at the national, regional and international levels on related issues such as racial discrimination, disabilities, trafficking, health, minority issues, violence against women and children, cultural rights, harmful traditional practices, extrajudicial and summary executions and torture, most of whom have already contributed to the debate surrounding 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
  • Social & Cultural Rights
Person(s) affected
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Women
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 46

Paragraph text
The Independent Expert is of the view that specific measures to end attacks against persons with albinism should include immediate investigation of allegations and prosecution of alleged perpetrators, legal representation and adequate protection for victims and witnesses and sensitization of the judiciary and law enforcement officers on the issue. Furthermore, protection measures for persons with albinism should be adopted and implemented in their communities. Victims of attacks should be provided with the appropriate remedy and redress, not only legal, but also social, psychological and medical. The Independent Expert will also seek the adoption of measures to prevent the trafficking in body parts, as well as specific measures for improving conditions at temporary shelters for displaced persons with albinism and the execution of safe strategies for reintegrating them into their homes and communities. In that regard, she encourages international and regional cooperation.
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
  • Movement
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Persons on the move
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 45g

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:] Promotion, in collaboration with relevant regional and international organizations, bilateral, regional and international initiatives aimed at protecting 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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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;
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 44

Paragraph text
Discrimination against women takes various forms. Women with albinism are reportedly victims of targeted acts of sexual violence spurred by the myth and misbelief that sexual intercourse with a woman with albinism can cure HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, women who give birth to a child with albinism may face ostracism and discrimination. They are also exposed to rejection by their husbands or partners, accused of adultery or infidelity and blamed for giving birth to a child who is generally seen as a curse or a bad omen. The rejection of mothers of children with albinism exposes them to poverty and isolation and increases the vulnerability to attacks of both mother and child with albinism.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Equality & Inclusion
  • Gender
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Women
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 38

Paragraph text
Studies often link the prevalence of skin cancer to factors such as the lack of basic understanding of albinism, particularly by persons with albinism and their families. For example, it is not uncommon for parents to put a newborn with albinism out in the sun for hours. Displaced persons with albinism are exposed to a heightened risk of skin cancer as they are mostly outside of their usual environment and have limited means to address their health needs. Also at particular risk of developing skin cancer are persons with albinism who work outdoors, such as farmers or traders. Such outdoor occupations also emphasize the link between the risk of contracting skin cancer and poverty.
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
  • Families
  • Infants
  • Persons on the move
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 37

Paragraph text
One of the most serious health implications of albinism is the vulnerability to skin cancer. Skin cancer remains a life-threatening condition for most persons with albinism. Statistics on the issue are mostly from Africa and they indicate a worrying trend. Some reports indicate that most persons with albinism die from skin cancer between the ages of 30 and 40 years. A recent sampling of 77 persons with albinism from different African countries seems to support the reported trends. Of the 77, 43 had 239 pre-cancerous lesions and 3 required immediate surgical attention. This sample indicates the scale of the problem in the region and the need for immediate attention.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Health
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 36

Paragraph text
Legal frameworks for the enjoyment of human rights by persons with disabilities, including the Convention, could address issues faced by persons with albinism on the basis of their vision impairment. The Convention in particular identifies areas where adaptations have to be made so that persons with disabilities can fully enjoy their human rights, including access to education, employment, information and health care. Furthermore, the Convention has established as principles respect for inherent dignity, equality of opportunity, full and effective participation and inclusion in society and non-discrimination. On that basis, urgent measures could be implemented to address pressing issues relating to the visual impairment of persons with albinism. However, those measures would need to be combined with other measures designed to address other forms of discrimination faced by persons with albinism as well as to address attacks and to ensure access to health care.
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
  • Persons with disabilities
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 33

Paragraph text
Discrimination, stigma and bullying of persons with albinism owing to their appearance have been reported in all regions of the world, to varying degrees. Such discrimination has been described as discrimination based on skin tone or shade, including within the same ethnic group. While discrimination based on skin colour is an everyday reality for most persons with albinism, discourse on discrimination based on colour has rarely been applied to albinism. This is for various reasons such as the lack of visibility of albinism, until very recently, the lack of understanding of what persons with albinism experience and lastly, but perhaps most significantly, strong historical ties of racial discrimination discourse to race or ethnicity. Yet, there is potential to address albinism under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, as the governing concept is not "race" but "racial discrimination", which may be based on any of five "grounds": race, colour, descent, national origin and ethnic origin.
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
  • All
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 30

Paragraph text
In so-called Western countries, persons with albinism face the effects of entrenched misconceptions and misunderstandings of the condition. Discrimination through mockery or bullying of school-age children owing to their appearance has been reported. Given the relative rarity of albinism, popular culture, such as movies (a majority of which depict albinism negatively), are often the sole source of information on the condition for the majority of the population, fuelling widespread misconceptions and misunderstanding of the condition.
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
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 27

Paragraph text
In addition, as a protection measure, children have been transported to shelters, including police stations, schools or centres built for other needs, such as for people living with leprosy. Most of these shelters were neither designed nor prepared for an influx of persons with albinism, nor are they equipped to address the special needs of persons with albinism. Reports show that inhabitants with albinism are exposed to early skin cancer risk and various forms of abuse. Furthermore, as pointed out by the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee in its study on the situation of human rights of persons living with albinism, an assessment by the OHCHR field presence of the situation of displaced persons with albinism in Burundi showed the precarious security situation of some of them and the negative impact of the measure on the right to an adequate standard of living.
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
  • Persons on the move
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 24

Paragraph text
It has been reported that there is a market for body parts of persons with albinism. The body parts are reportedly sold both locally and across borders. The prices of body parts reportedly range from $2,000 for a limb to $75,000 for a "complete set" or a corpse. Civil society reports indicate that, motivated by those prices, family members and communities have sold, or attempted to sell, persons with albinism, thereby fuelling the supply side of this macabre trade. The prices also indicate the involvement of wealthy individuals as they stand in sharp contrast to the average annual income per capita reported in the affected regions. Given the underground nature of this trade, further study is needed to assess its scope and extent and, on that basis, to identify effective measures.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 20

Paragraph text
The appearance that ensues in albinism, in particular the lack of melanin in the skin, eyes and hair, exposes tens of thousands of persons to stigma and discrimination across the world. It is reported that, in Africa, attacks directed at persons with albinism are usually carried out with machetes, resulting in severe mutilation or death. In most cases, the persons attacked are dismembered; body parts such as fingers, arms, legs, eyes, genitals, skin, bones, the head and hair have been severed from the body and taken. In several of those cases, body parts have been hacked off while the person was alive. Reportedly, there is a corollary witchcraft belief that it is preferable to harvest body parts from live victims because screams increase the potency of the potion for which the parts are used. Possible human sacrifices of persons with albinism have also been reported, including through immolation.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • All
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 18

Paragraph text
In response to the issue, several treaty bodies have called for immediate action to end the attacks. These include the Human Rights Committee, which recommended that affected States strengthen efforts to halt attacks on the physical integrity of persons with albinism, ensure the conduct of timely investigations and strengthen awareness-raising campaigns. Similarly, the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, the Committee on the Right of Persons with Disabilities and the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, in reiterating the right to life and non-discrimination, have called for immediate action to end such attacks. In their resolutions, the Human Rights Council and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights have also called for immediate action to stop attacks and discrimination against 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
Person(s) affected
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Women
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 17

Paragraph text
Attacks against persons with albinism and corollary issues of displacement and trafficking in body parts violate the right to life, the right to security of person and the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment, as enshrined in various international human rights treaties. As reported by OHCHR, whether any particular ritual killing or attack against persons with albinism is attributable to a State agent needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Nevertheless, the State violates its obligation to ensure the right to life and the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment by failing to take appropriate measures to prevent, investigate, prosecute, punish or redress.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Governance & Rule of Law
  • Movement
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Persons on the move
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 16

Paragraph text
It has been widely reported and documented that persons with albinism are hunted and physically attacked due to prevailing myths such as the misbelief that their body parts, when used in witchcraft rituals and potions or amulets, will induce wealth, good luck and political success. Other dangerous myths that facilitate the perpetration of attacks are those linked to perceptions of their appearance, including misbeliefs and myths that persons with albinism are not human beings, but ghosts, that they are subhuman and that they do not die, but disappear. An increase of those attacks, referred to as "ritual attacks", has been reported by civil society during periods of political elections.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 15

Paragraph text
As an initial step, the mandate holder will outline, in broad strokes, some of the obstacles with which persons with albinism are confronted. The obstacles identified constitute the main areas of concern and priorities of the mandate holder and include human rights violations such as attacks, desecration of graves, trafficking of body parts, displacement, discrimination against persons with albinism, as well as human rights violations based on disabilities, challenges in the right to the highest attainable standard of health and the right to education. The Independent Expert would also like to draw attention to the particularly concerning situation of women and children with albinism.
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
  • Persons on the move
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Women
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 14

Paragraph text
Persons with albinism face discrimination and barriers that restrict their participation in society on an equal basis with others every day. Due to those many challenges, persons with albinism throughout the world are unable to enjoy the full range of human rights and the same standards of equality, rights and dignity as others. While some of those challenges are global, others have predominantly been identified in certain regions. There are legal and policy foundations to most of the human rights violations faced by persons with albinism, however, they have not yet been consolidated and there are no specific instruments or guidelines on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism - a gap that the Independent Expert wishes to address in consultation with stakeholders.
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Vision for the mandate 2016, para. 12

Paragraph text
Albinism is a 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. In order for a person to be affected by albinism, both parents must carry the gene and, in that case, there is a 25 per cent chance that a child will be born with albinism at each pregnancy. The proportion of persons affected by albinism in the world differs from region to region. For example, in North America and Europe, it is estimated that 1 in 17,000 to 20,000 people are affected by the condition, while in sub-Saharan Africa, 1 in 5,000 to 15,000 could be affected, with specific countries having a much higher tendency, including estimated rates of 1 in 1,400, and about 1 in 20 persons in the general population carrying the gene for albinism. Other studies suggest that in specific groups in Panama or in the Pacific region, the rate of people affected could be as high as 1 in 70 to 1 in 125.
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
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 85

Paragraph text
The Independent Expert also recommends that the international community continue to support States and civil society working on this issue, including through capacity-building, particularly in the area of investigative research and forensic science. Another key area needing support is the implementation of protective measures, including those already identified by a multiplicity of stakeholders, including persons with albinism from various countries of the African region, at the recently concluded Consultative Forum: Action on Albinism in Africa.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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:] [Health intervention] Improve access to health care for persons with albinism, with particular focus on affordable or free sun protection products and skin cancer treatment. Such a health programme ought to be accessible to persons in rural or remote areas at little or no cost to them. The training of community health nurses and the use of mobile clinics have been identified as 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
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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:] [Legal action] Consider regulating the practice of traditional medicine where ambiguity exists, in practice, between witchcraft on the one hand and traditional, herbal or alternative medicine on the other. Such regulation might include an effective monitoring mechanism that reaches rural, remote and border areas, particularly where attacks against persons with albinism have been reported;
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • N.A.
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 76

Paragraph text
The mass media has also been accused of fuelling attacks by irresponsible reporting of the issue. Critics argue that the publishing of prices for body parts could create an incentive for attacks where none previously existed. They point out best practices from reports on drug trafficking whereby some media refuse to publish the market value of drugs confiscated by police so that potential drug traffickers are not tempted by reading about it. While there are no studies establishing a correlation between increased media attention on the issue and increased attacks, it is unreasonable to completely deny the possibility that the publishing of alleged prices of body parts may incentivize profiteers.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Economic Rights
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • All
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 75

Paragraph text
The characterization of persons with albinism in films and literature has largely been belittling, negative and caricature-peddling. Although there is reason to be optimistic on the basis of new trends in the past five years, there remains a lot of work to be done because "modern movies, novels, television programs, etc. still insist on using albinism for its shock value…¸ rather than present the facts about the condition since these do not lend themselves to an interesting story. Storytellers choose to use the physical appearance of albinism to invent their own fantasies, and expose their own superstitions and fears" [about the condition]. It has also been reported that the Nigerian film industry, by similarly portraying persons with albinism and normalizing witchcraft, contributes to the spreading of myths and encourages resort to witchdoctors in times of misfortune or hardship.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 74

Paragraph text
Further, there is a need to formally educate persons with albinism because such a person becomes a role model and demystifies misbeliefs about the condition. However, there remains the challenge of discrimination at schools, which is linked to ongoing myths and ignorance on the part of both students and teachers alike. Moreover, the lack of support and reasonable accommodation, including the provision of low vision devices, for persons with albinism remains a substantive barrier to education. These issues have led many children with albinism to stop their education. School dropout has a particularly severe impact on children with albinism because it destroys their chances of finding work indoors, which in turn exposes them to poverty and skin cancer, conditions paving the way to early death due to ritual attacks and skin cancer respectively.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Education
  • Equality & Inclusion
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • Children
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

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.
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 69

Paragraph text
Lack of information about the need for special sun protection for persons with albinism, who lack natural protective pigment, is highly detrimental. The absence of access to sunscreen lotions or sun-protective clothing, as well as lack of adequate, affordable and accessible medical care, leaves persons with albinism highly vulnerable to skin cancer. It is not uncommon for persons with albinism to die of skin cancer before the age of 40 and for children younger than age 5 to present with pre-cancerous lesions. These health issues, in tandem with discrimination, poverty and lack of education, are amongst the factors responsible for the very high number of skin cancer fatalities among persons with albinism in sun-intense countries.
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 68

Paragraph text
The appearance of persons with albinism makes them stand out, particularly in environments where the majority of the population have darker pigmentation and the contrast between the two groups is stark. Persons with albinism are therefore a visible minority group whose appearance and colouring has made them subjects of instantaneous discrimination. Their stigma, the lifelong social exclusion and general discrimination they face, is a similar experience to that of vulnerable racial minorities because of their skin colour. This factor leaves open the possibility of addressing this root cause under laws prohibiting "racial discrimination" on the "ground" of "colour".
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
  • Ethnic minorities
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 66

Paragraph text
Witchcraft is therefore, at least in part, a means of reconciling the traditional with the modern, the former promising to answer questions deemed unanswered by the latter. However the explanations provided by witchcraft are often not grounded on fact but are based on myths and pre-existing beliefs, for which the witchdoctor has a solution at a price. The situation bears strong elements of fraud. To the extent that it solves socioeconomic problems, at best, it supplies only a limited form of social justice and equity as it fails to address the real causes of problems and ultimately leads people to resign themselves to their "misfortunes" instead of accurately understanding and resolving them.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 65

Paragraph text
In addition to Miguel's correlation of income and witchcraft, it has also been documented that there can be a plausible link between the surge in occult practices, including witchcraft, and the pressures and opportunities people are faced with in a changing socioeconomic order. A study of specific mining towns where the use of body parts of persons with albinism in lucky charms has been documented indicates that the cumulative influx of a large number of migrant miners, generational and cultural divides within the local villages, and the social change propelled by the rapid focus on mineral extraction for income in the local economy are among the factors which triggered a symbiotic relationship between miners seeking luck and comparative advantage in their work on the one hand and the witchdoctor on the other hand.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Economic Rights
Person(s) affected
  • Persons on the move
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 61

Paragraph text
Fear of attacks has also worsened the economic situation of persons with albinism who are not able to cultivate their land, go to the marketplace or initiate economic activity in freedom. The same can be said of parents of children with albinism, who often have to curtail their economic activity to accommodate the need to watch over their children day and night and to escort them to and from school. This strain on family economics increases the likelihood that a child with albinism will be viewed as a burden or curse on the family. This in turn increases the child`s vulnerability to attacks initiated or facilitated by family members.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Social & Cultural Rights
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 60

Paragraph text
The marginalization of, discrimination against and exclusion of persons with albinism or their parents, particularly mothers, often means that they are not supported by the community in times of need, are sometimes excluded from economic programmes or benefits, and are unable to rely on relatives and other similar social networks that often cushion economic hardship. The results of such exclusion include poverty, lack of education and corollary issues of unemployment, poor housing and ill health. These factors render them hyper-vulnerable to abuse and attacks, because perpetrators are aware of their disenfranchisement and their lack of resources and redress in the face of crime committed against them.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Equality & Inclusion
  • Poverty
Person(s) affected
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 56

Paragraph text
In a context of poverty, and in view of the reported black market value of body parts of persons with albinism, the perceived possibility of becoming rich quickly is a strong incentive for attacks. Perpetrators recruited to abduct or kill a person with albinism, or informants revealing where persons with albinism live, are often promised a sum of money. Similarly, traditional healers or herbalists in a difficult economic context may be tempted to take advantage of myths and witchcraft beliefs concerning albinism to go beyond using herbs and animal body parts to using body parts of persons with albinism to attract a higher price for their services.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 54

Paragraph text
The Human Development Index, which is a strong indicator of poverty and correlating factors, showed in 2014 that of the 26 countries where attacks have been reported, 20 were listed as countries with a low human development coefficient; the other six affected countries were listed in the medium human development category. That said, it is noteworthy that, overall, the affected countries had a level of income inequality that ranged from relative equality to relative inequality, with a GINI coefficient range of 30.8 to 63.9, the average for all 26 countries being 44.3.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Equality & Inclusion
  • Poverty
Person(s) affected
  • All
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 49

Paragraph text
Civil society reports nearly 500 cases of attacks against persons with albinism across 26 countries. They include various forms of attack, including physical assault, murder and sexual violence tied to witchcraft beliefs and practices. In relation to the relatively small numbers of persons with albinism, usually in the single digits of thousands to tens of thousands per country, this number of cases is highly concerning. Moreover, these are reported cases alone. Civil society activists on the issue believe far more cases go unreported owing to family collusion and the secrecy surrounding witchcraft practices.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 46

Paragraph text
Witchcraft beliefs and practices as they relate to albinism have essentially capitalized on a myth-riddled situation, to the benefit of practitioners and willing believers. Further, the relative rarity of body parts of persons with albinism has been capitalized upon by the witchcraft beliefs which proffer that the body parts can attract equally rare minerals, such as gold or diamonds. The same argument with regard to rarity appears to have informed the market value of body parts, such that "the albino fetish has become the most expensive charm because it is perceived as harnessing spirits that are far more powerful than … a waganga [witchdoctor/traditional healer] could otherwise offer".
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Health
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 43

Paragraph text
A witness reported: "witchdoctors told me that they kill persons with albinism and use their organs to make magic potions for their clients who want to become rich and successful". Similarly, a witchdoctor admitted to the use of bones of persons with albinism after being instructed by his ancestors, stating that "good witchcraft is when one uses organs of a dead person with albinism" while "bad witchcraft is when one kills a person with albinism for their body parts". In another interview, a witchdoctor explained that "from their hair to their bones, albinos are sought after. When we hear that an albino has died somewhere, we try to find out where he has been buried in order to recover some parts which are really important to help us … we even kill albinos because we need certain parts of their bodies". In addition to attacks against persons with albinism, such witchcraft beliefs have often led to the desecration of their graves.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Violence
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 42

Paragraph text
Further witchcraft beliefs are that placing the skull of a person with albinism in the foundation of a new building will bring luck to the building, that burying body parts in key places on a farm ensures big harvests and that inserting the hand of a person with albinism into the entrances of shops encourages customers to come. It was also reported that fishermen weave hair of persons with albinism into their nets or use the skin of persons with albinism to brush their nets to enhance fishing. Body parts are also sought after for protection, for example against plane crashes. It is also believed that body parts can protect one against witches and that burying a body part of a person with albinism in one's house will keep witches away.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 39

Paragraph text
The vast majority of attacks against persons with albinism have been carried out in order to harvest body parts. There are beliefs that drinking the blood of persons with albinism gives extra magical power or that it has magical properties and brings prosperity and good luck. Fingers of persons with albinism are reportedly worn as necklaces and amulets. Bones of persons with albinism are used to successfully mine for gold and other desirable minerals. Hands of persons with albinism are burned to ashes and mixed in a paste to cure strokes; blood of persons with albinism is used to boost vitality and intellectual capacity, as well as for political power and business. Hair has been touted as useful for agriculture. Genitals, breasts and placentas are used to cure infertility and create good luck.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Health
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 38

Paragraph text
Various authors have emphasized the continued reliance on witchcraft in many African societies and the necessity to take the phenomenon into account to fully understand the contemporary social context. It has also been reported that, despite opposition by religious leaders, access to basic education, and the enactment of legislation criminalizing witchcraft accusations and some forms of practice, witchcraft still remains embedded in society. It remains attractive to a significant number of people as it promises a holistic explanation for human hardships, including by linking socioeconomic misfortunes to other apparent "misfortunes", such as the birth of a child with albinism in a family.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Education
  • Harmful Practices
  • Social & Cultural Rights
Person(s) affected
  • Children
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 37

Paragraph text
In the 26 countries where attacks against persons with albinism have been reported to date, all of which are in sub-Saharan Africa, belief in witchcraft and witchcraft practices have been reported, including by civil society and the media. The beliefs do not seem constrained by socioeconomic class, level of education or location; both urban and rural areas are affected. Witchcraft beliefs and practices are referred to in everyday conversation, and they seem to be socially accepted means of handling issues, providing explanations for unusual occurrences or establishing responsibility in cases of misfortune. Witchcraft beliefs and practices are also used to justify accusations stemming from envy, hatred, vengeance and other similar vice. Belief in witchcraft allows people to make sense of their seemingly arbitrary misfortune and to blame a particular person. This blame is often targeted at persons in one's immediate social circle, after consultation with a witchdoctor.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 35

Paragraph text
Some countries with a record of attacks against persons with albinism have identified as a major problem the ambiguity between witchcraft on the one hand and the practice of traditional, herbal or alternative medicine on the other. This is further complicated by the secrecy surrounding witchcraft and the resulting difficulty in identifying its real practitioners in all cases. These matters raise the question of whether and how these occupations ought to be defined and regulated as a means of preventing human rights violations allegedly and actually committed by their practitioners. There is also the issue of whether witchcraft beliefs should be given any form of legal character or recognition when it is largely a supernatural phenomenon. Often, these issues are further complicated by the fact that many legal instruments addressing witchcraft are outdated and disconnected from current social realities.
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
  • All
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 34

Paragraph text
The Witchcraft and Human Rights Information Network stresses that there is no universally accepted definition of witchcraft and the term means different things to different people in different places. Primarily witchcraft can be seen as a negative, malevolent force which is used by people in the spirit realm to bring about harm in the physical realm. In 1974, Marc Augé defined witchcraft as "a set of beliefs, structured and shared by a given population, that addresses the origin of misfortune, illness and death, and a set of practices for detection, treatment and punishment that corresponds to these beliefs".
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 32

Paragraph text
Such stories have also been reported in contemporary times. Village folklore describes how mothers are advised by midwives to sit on their babies or asphyxiate them at birth if they have albinism. In other cases, it seems that the child is left to die, with no food. Similarly, it has been reported that children with albinism have been instantly killed at birth for fear of the shame attached to the condition, or because of a belief that they bring bad luck. Other folklore describes practices such as drowning children with albinism in a lake or placing babies with albinism at the exit gate of a cow pen, where they are left to die from being trampled on by cattle. Still other folklore recounts the ritual killing of children with albinism, who have been accused of being witches, by putting them in bags and smashing the bags against a tree.
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
  • Children
  • Infants
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 27

Paragraph text
Community support and integration have been identified as key protection measures for persons with albinism. Therefore, excluding and ostracizing persons with albinism have a direct impact on their safety and make them more vulnerable to attacks. Ostracized and physically distanced, those who are in most dire need of protection are rendered more vulnerable. The exclusion of mothers of children with albinism by their family and community throws them into deep poverty. Not only are these women physically distanced from others, they tend to live in insecure homes, which leaves them easy prey to perpetrators of attacks. They are often left exposed to attacks where no one will respond in time, or at all, to their call for help.
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
  • Families
  • Women
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 26

Paragraph text
Family members, friends and service providers are not immune to the practice of self-distancing from persons with albinism. This is illustrated by the following testimony of a person with albinism: "my mother distances herself from me … I had girlfriends who preferred to quietly meet me away from the public. You go to a party; they won't want to dance with you". Similarly, it was reported that, in certain cases, nurses and other medical professionals, including physicians, were reluctant to touch or treat patients with albinism. In such a context, it is not uncommon that persons with albinism self-limit their interactions within the community and shy away from attending school.
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
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 25

Paragraph text
In addition, such fear of contagion can be extended to objects touched by persons with albinism. In the words of a person with albinism, "some people will not touch what I touch. In the bus no one wants to sit next to me. People don't want to shake hands with me, share utensils, touch me or come near". Similarly, another person with albinism reported that people refuse to share a taxi with him. Further, as a result of such beliefs, people are sometimes reluctant to eat any food that has been touched by persons with albinism. This is particularly stigmatizing in a context where persons eat from a common pot. It also raises difficulties for persons with albinism working at markets, as customers may prefer other sellers.
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
  • All
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 21

Paragraph text
There are rare cases where persons with albinism are deified or viewed as having godlike qualities. For example, the Guna people in Latin America give a special place to persons with albinism as protectors. Tales of persons with albinism being considered as water deities or as natural chiefs have also been reported. While deification and positive supernaturalization of persons with albinism may appear to be desirable, this is not an ideal state because the person with albinism is still the subject of myths unfounded on fact or science. Consequently, their dignity remains grounded in subjective narratives and not in their objective status as human beings.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Social & Cultural Rights
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 20

Paragraph text
Similarly, myths that persons with albinism are destined to experience poor fortune and cannot do well in life are also a reflection of the discrimination they face on a daily basis. Unfortunately, too often, given the myth-driven historical context of discrimination, there is a disproportionately small number of persons with albinism able to disprove this myth with the example of their lives. Other beliefs, that persons with albinism are unable to learn or are mentally challenged, illustrate the particular discrimination they face regarding access to education, including persistent bullying and the absence of reasonable accommodation for the vision impairment that is often part of albinism.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Education
  • Equality & Inclusion
Person(s) affected
  • All
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 19

Paragraph text
The myth that persons with albinism naturally have a short lifespan is also prevalent. It appears to supply an explanation for the relatively high frequency of early deaths among persons with albinism. Such early deaths, which particularly correlate with the myth that persons with albinism disappear, also appear to be strongly linked to the prevalence of skin cancer and the high number of early to midlife fatalities recorded among them on account of this preventable disease. There is an urgent need to address this disease through the provision of both preventive and curative measures that are accessible and affordable or free, particularly in rural areas.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Health
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 17

Paragraph text
There is also the myth that intercourse with female persons with albinism can cure infertility, sexually transmitted infections and, in particular, HIV/AIDS. This has led to the rape and forced prostitution of women and girls with albinism, some of whom end up contracting various infections. Cases have been reported of young girls with albinism being prostituted by their family to customers who thereby expect to be cured of HIV/AIDS. It is believed that cases of this sort are underreported owing to various factors, including a pre-existing context of myth-led discrimination against persons with albinism, the stigma of reporting rape and the likelihood of further abuse. Such lack of reporting is bound to aggravate the already oppressed and disenfranchised situation of women and girls with albinism.
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
  • Girls
  • Women
  • Youth
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 12

Paragraph text
It is evident that none of these myths are true, yet they demonstrate the lack of understanding of the genetic nature of albinism. This absence of scientific knowledge and the resort to myths to provide explanations concerning albinism lead to discrimination against persons with albinism and their families, mothers in particular. However, this should not lead to the conclusion that public education alone will eradicate these myths. Evidence shows that even where the truth and the scientific basis of albinism are known, they can co-exist with myths. Scientific explanations of the origins of albinism can answer the question "why?". But they fail to answer particular, localized and personal questions such as "why in this particular person?" and "why at this particular time and place?". The inability of science to answer these questions means that many turn to explanations proposed by supernatural beliefs such as witchcraft, and its practitioners, also known as witchdoctors.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Education
  • Harmful Practices
Person(s) affected
  • Families
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 11

Paragraph text
The lack of understanding of the condition is also illustrated by myths that persons with albinism cannot have children who do not have albinism, or that they are sterile. Furthermore, it is often believed that persons with albinism can only be found within one`s proximate race; consequently, the worldwide status of the condition is often not generally known. This narrow understanding of the frequency of albinism feeds into myths which present the condition as a particular problem supernaturally aimed at specific women and families.
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
  • Families
  • Women
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 10

Paragraph text
Other myths seek an explanation in existing traditional beliefs associated with childbirth. It has been reported, for example, that the birth of children with albinism could be linked to the "snake inside the woman" turning away from that pregnancy. The snake is considered the protector of the pregnancy, monitoring it. Other explanations are that a child born with albinism was conceived when a woman had intercourse while she was menstruating. Further, some mythological beliefs seek to explain the condition by advancing that the mother of the child with albinism was struck by lightning or that albinism occurs when a mother does not consume enough salt in her diet.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Harmful Practices
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Infants
  • Women
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 9

Paragraph text
Further, it is also sometimes believed that albinism can be contracted by being in contact with albinism. The same myth is extended to things that have been touched by persons with albinism. There are also beliefs that if a pregnant woman looks at a person with albinism, even unintendedly, her unborn child will be born with albinism, unless she spits to neutralize the "curse". Persons spit at the person with albinism, on the floor, inside their shirts or on their stomachs in the case of pregnant women. One mother of a child with albinism reported that she gave birth to a child with albinism for having herself stared too hard at a person with albinism while fetching water during her pregnancy.
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
  • Children
  • Infants
  • Women
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 7

Paragraph text
Myths about albinism include the belief that a child with albinism is a curse meted out on the mother or family of the child. It is also sometimes believed that children with albinism are the result of their family's or parent's evildoing and they are therefore considered a punishment to the whole family and community. In most cases, the blame for having a child with albinism is often attributed to the mother because the curse is believed to be matrilineal, transmitted by the mother's side of the family. There are also beliefs that women who give birth to children with albinism are unclean, or even in some cases witches. A similar myth is that the mother of a child with albinism stepped onto something evil, leading to a curse on the whole family.
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
  • Children
  • Families
  • Women
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 6

Paragraph text
Albinism is a condition that results in a significant or near total lack of pigmentation in any or all of the skin, hair and eyes. The most significant human rights issues have emerged from myths linked to the form of albinism involving a lack of pigmentation in the skin. This is also the most visible form of albinism. All forms of albinism are together understood as rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited and occurring in both sexes, regardless of ethnicity, in all countries of the world. However, in most communities around the world, albinism is not fully understood.
Body
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Topic(s)
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • All
Year
2016
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

Preliminary survey on the root causes of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism 2016, para. 5

Paragraph text
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.
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 added
Aug 19, 2019
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".
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
Date added
Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph

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