Archive
Human Rights
A record of albinism news, research, and advocacy from trusted sources around the world. Reviewed by a human editor before publication.
Jane Kasweka
Livingstone, Zambia
Delphile Bandha
Livingstone, Zambia
Purity Kashweka
Livingstone, Zambia
Dorcus Siabasimbi
Livingstone, Zambia
Carolina Khaskelis from the United States is visiting Livingstone, Zambia, where she is spending time with members of the local albinism community, including Jane Kasweka, Delphile Bandha, Purity Kashweka, and Dorcus Siabasimbi. Alongside distributing essential sunscreen, Carolina is listening to their stories and learning more about their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN updates torture documentation manual to include albinism
The OHCHR has revised its core investigation manual to formally recognise attacks on people with albinism as a form of torture. The update marks a shift in how international law frames ritual violence.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN experts warn of rising transnational repression against rights defenders
A joint statement from United Nations human rights experts raises alarm over cross-border threats targeting activists, including those working to protect people with albinism.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN albinism expert is visiting the United States
The UN's Independent Expert on Albinism is conducting an official visit to the United States and is calling for input from the community.
Human RightsUN General Assembly NewsUN affirms development as a right, not charity
A UN General Assembly discussion reframes global development as a question of equity and entitlement, with direct implications for marginalised communities worldwide.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN maps the rights framework protecting people with albinism
A report to the UN General Assembly sets out the international human rights standards that apply specifically to people with albinism, clarifying what states are legally obliged to do.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismMalawi albinism groups submit joint UN human rights report
The Africa Albinism Network and APAM have filed a joint submission to a UN treaty body, documenting conditions facing people with albinism in Malawi.
Human RightsGoogle News — AlbinismAlbinism activist moves from radio to council
A South African activist known for speaking up about albinism has stepped off the airwaves and into local government. The shift marks a new chapter in community representation.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN committee opens formal study on albinism rights
The UN Human Rights Committee has begun a dedicated study on the rights of people with albinism, marking a formal step in international oversight.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismCovid-19 deepened rights gaps for young people with albinism
The Independent Expert on Albinism submitted findings to the OHCHR showing the pandemic widened existing inequalities for young people with albinism worldwide.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN report details risks facing women and children with albinism
A UN Independent Expert report finds that women and children with albinism face compounded discrimination rooted in gender, age, and appearance. The findings call on states to act.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN maps the global state of albinism in 2021
The Independent Expert on Albinism presented a worldwide report to the UN in 2021, documenting the rights, risks, and daily realities faced by people with albinism across regions.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismA new UN voice takes up the albinism mandate
Ms. Muluka Anne Miti-Drummond has issued her first statement as UN Independent Expert on Albinism, signalling the priorities she will bring to the role.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismTen years of International Albinism Awareness Day
The UN marks a decade since the first International Albinism Awareness Day, observed each year on 13 June to spotlight the rights of people with albinism worldwide.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN expert reports on albinism conditions in Zambia
The OHCHR Independent Expert on Albinism has submitted a formal report on the situation facing people with albinism in Zambia to a UN treaty body.
Human RightsAllAfrica — AlbinismAIDS funding cuts expose gaps in African health law
Legal scholar Mnotho Ngcobo argues the US withdrawal of HIV funding has revealed deeper constitutional failures in how African states protect the right to health.
Human RightsAmerican Journal of Human GeneticsRare facial syndromes share genetic roots with normal variation
A study in the American Journal of Human Genetics found that rare genetic conditions affecting face shape act on the same biological axes as common variation in the general population.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismUN expert documents rights failures in Lesotho
The UN Independent Expert on Albinism visited Lesotho and found significant gaps in legal protection, healthcare access, and safety for people with albinism.
Human RightsUN General Assembly NewsHow the UN is using AI for human rights
From a child learning to read in Jamaica to faster TB screening in Ethiopia, the UN is documenting how artificial intelligence is being applied to human rights work.
Human RightsOHCHR — Independent Expert on AlbinismZambia's justice system fails people with albinism
A new OHCHR report maps the barriers blocking people with albinism in Zambia from accessing justice, and outlines what needs to change.
Human RightsAmerican Journal of Human GeneticsResearchers map every possible AIRE protein variant
A new study has catalogued the effect of every amino acid change in the AIRE protein, offering a tool that could improve diagnosis of rare autoimmune conditions.