15th June, 2015
In at least 25 African countries, people with albinism have been "killed, mutilated or otherwise attacked" because of the belief that their body parts confer magical powers, according to the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Speaking last Thursday ahead of Saturday’s first ever world day for albinism awareness, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said that while across the world, children born with albinism – a genetic condition with affects the pigment of the skin – are "likely" to face bullying, prejudice, and even violence because of stereotypes based on the colour of their skin, in some parts of the world they may also suffer "horrific, and sometimes lethal, atrocities".
"Civil society activists have reported that hundreds of people with albinism – a majority of them children – have been killed, mutilated or otherwise attacked in at least 25 African countries, because of the belief that their body parts confer magical powers," he said.
"More cases remain undocumented because of the isolation of the victims, the secrecy surrounding ritual practices, and indifference. Shockingly, such crimes have seldom been investigated or prosecuted."
Mr Zeid said even for those who don’t face such atrocities, accessing adequate healthcare – albinism can impair vision and increase the risk of skin cancers – can be difficult.
"Failure to accommodate this visual impairment, as well as mockery and abuse, may force them to drop out of school; compounded by widespread social rejection, this can result in unemployment, isolation and life-long poverty."
Mr Zeid said there was "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. They have the right to live free from discrimination, deprivation and fear."
He called on states to "step-up" education to "counteract ignorance about albinism", to provide appropriate care and to investigate cases of discrimination and violence against people with albinism.
