International Albinism Awareness Day: Statement by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell

On International Albinism Awareness Day, 13 June, the EU stands up for persons with albinism around the world, supporting them in their fight for a life free of discrimination, stigmatisation and violence.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the marginalisation and discrimination of persons with albinism. Systematic violations of their right to health continue, while serious human rights violations, arising from accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks, have increased. This is a global issue, though particularly prevalent in Africa, with more than 700 cases of attacks and killings of persons with albinism in Sub-Saharan Africa over the last 10 years.

The EU has been supporting measures to protect and assist persons with albinism and mitigate the challenges confronting the albinism community in accessing social services. We work with the Regional Albinism Forum to advance their goal of strengthening organisations of persons with albinism across Africa. We condemn all crimes against persons with albinism and urge for effective investigation when they occur.

The EU supports the UN Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Persons with Albinism, and the implementation of the Regional Action Plan on Albinism in Africa 2017-2021. The EU will continue to finance projects in support of persons with albinism. For example, the EU in Tanzania funds the « Maisha Yetu Project », which aims at challenging discrimination and witchcraft-related violence against persons with albinism.

The EU reaffirms its strong commitment to fight for the respect of fundamental human rights of persons with albinism, underlining the importance of their empowerment and full, equal and meaningful participation in all spheres of life.