Discrimination and Way Forward’, the mothers of children with albinism
particularly bear the brunt, as they are often rejected by their husbands, who
“accuse [them] of adultery and blame [them] for giving birth to children who
are perceived as a curse, misfortune or a cause of shame for the family.” 44
145. The Court observes that according to the above-mentioned Outcome
Report, due to social pressure, the mothers often have to choose between
abandoning their child or their marriage. Furthermore, the women are often
banished from their communities leading to social isolation.45
146. In the instant case, the Court stresses that it is not in dispute that PWA are
treated differently primarily due to the wide held superstitions and harmful
beliefs regarding the mythical powers attributed to PWA.
147. The Court notes that State obligations in preventing discrimination of PWA
involve the need to recognize that the discrimination faced by PWA is
intersectional and multi-faceted. This would require, inter alia: enacting of
legislation which categorize violence against PWA as aggravated offences;
clarity as regards laws regulating traditional medicine and witchcraft. Lastly,
“active public education and awareness-raising campaigns must be
launched and sustained.”46
148. The Court takes positive note of the initiatives taken by the Respondent
State to combat discrimination, including: Appointing PWA to senior
government positions which then gives visibility to PWA; undertaking
sensitization activities including the observance of 13 June, every year –
international Albinism Awareness Day; and registration of traditional healers
to differentiate them from witch doctors.
44
Outcome Report of the Expert Meeting on Persons with Albinism; Violence, Discrimination and Way
Forward, 24 September 2014, § 15.
45 Statement of the United Nations Expert on the Enjoyment of the Rights of Persons with Albinism to
the Committee of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 25 August 2017.
46 Human Rights Council Advisory Committee on the study on the situation of human rights of persons
living with albinism, supra, § 68.
36