People with albinism are subject to many harmful traditional practices that violate their human rights. In Africa in particular, violence is common, including killings and ritual attacks, trade and trafficking of body parts for witchcraft purposes,  infanticide and abandonment of children.

Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition which occurs worldwide regardless of ethnicity or gender. It most commonly results in the lack of melanin pigment in the hair, skin and eyes (oculocutaneous albinism), causing vulnerability to sun exposure.

Albinism is still profoundly misunderstood, socially and medically. The physical appearance of persons with albinism is often the object of erroneous beliefs and myths influenced by superstition, which foster their marginalization and social exclusion.

The complexity and uniqueness of the condition means that their experiences significantly and simultaneously touch on several human rights issues including, but not limited to, discrimination based on colour, discrimination based on disability, special needs in terms of access to education and enjoyment of the highest standards of health.

In order to fight against these problems, the Human Rights Council has appointed Ms. Ikponwosa Ero as the first Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.

In creating the mandate, the Human Rights Council reaffirmed that everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person and that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It also recalled the universality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and the need for persons with albinism to be guaranteed the full enjoyment of their rights and freedoms without discrimination.

Contact Details

Ms. Ikponwosa Ero
Mandate of the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
Palais des Nations
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Tel: +41 22 917 9363
Fax: + 41 22 917 9034
E-mail: albinism@ohchr.org