EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive dialogue on the human rights of persons with albinism
Thank you, Chair,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
Madam Independent Expert,
We warmly thank you for today’s presentation of your latest report and reiterate our support to your work and mandate.
As you rightly point out in your report, persons with albinism face specific health challenges and are highly susceptible to severe skin damage and the risk of developing skin cancer. This is often accompanied with increased mental health challenges as persons with albinism continue to face discrimination, stigmatisation, exclusion and violence.
The EU stands with persons with albinism worldwide and will continue working alongside them to ensure the full enjoyment of their fundamental human rights. This requires addressing the significant barriers to the right to health, mainly due to the lack of specialized expertise, disaggregated data, and limited access to adequate healthcare and psychosocial support services. We therefore underscore the need to prioritise the accessibility of health services for persons with albinism and the allocation of resources to increase knowledge and expertise within the medical field, so that their specific needs are properly met.
The EU strongly advocates for the implementation of laws that guarantee the protection of persons with albinism and their full enjoyment of the right to health. Awareness measures, skin care screening, access to sunscreen and protective gear, as well as mental health support can be lifesaving for persons with albinism. In this regard, the EU commends the adoption of national and regional action plans that include such measures and initiatives.
Ten years after the creation of the mandate on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, we recognize the progress achieved in the last decade. However, we also note that significant challenges remain.
Madam Independent Expert,
How can the EU’s development and global health partnerships be used more effectively to support the health and protection of persons with albinism in partner countries?
I thank you.