On International Albinism Awareness Day, the EU urges all states to take concrete steps to ensure that persons with albinism live free from discrimination and violence.

While we recognise that countries around the world, including in Africa have shown leadership in raising awareness about albinism and advocating for their rights, much remains to be done. Since 2006, more than 700 attacks on people with albinism in 30 countries have been recorded, including abductions, rape, mutilations, and killings. The UN Expert on the Rights of Persons with Albinism recently highlighted the urgent need for increased support for human rights defenders working to protect persons with albinism.

Together, we must tackle discrimination in all its forms.

As a strong advocate against discrimination and for equality for all, the EU supports persons with albinism and echoes the OHCHR’s call for renewed commitment to international cooperation on this issue. Concretely, the EU-Albinism Initiative has been set up to address discrimination and promote the inclusion of persons with albinism in society.

Now more than ever, the EU calls on all states to end impunity for aggression against persons with albinism, urging effective investigations and timely prosecution. We also expect countries to combat dangerous myths that perpetuate the targeting of persons with albinism.

Like all people, they must enjoy equal rights and opportunities.