GENEVA - Colour-based discrimination is inflicting devastating consequences on the lives of persons with albinism globally, warned Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, the Independent expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, today.
"For persons with albinism, colour-based discrimination is not a probability; it is a daily reality which often has consequential implications on their lives, including defining and restricting their right to health, education, employment, public participation and even life," Miti-Drummond said.
Presenting her report to the UN General Assembly, Miti-Drummond highlighted growing concerns around the psychosocial impact of colour-based discrimination, which remains deeply concerning for persons with albinism, especially in the context of their mental health and wellbeing.
"The constant unconscious bias, micro and macro-aggressions, othering and social exclusion against them have led to persons with albinism experiencing low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, internalisation of negative stereotypes, self-isolation, suicidal ideation and racial trauma," the expert said.
Where there are more extreme manifestations of this discrimination, including mutilations and killings, many experience chronic fear for their lives. The mental health impact also extends to their close family members, particularly their parents who carry the emotional toil of keeping them safe and free from the psychosocial impact of such discrimination.
"The multiple and intersecting drivers that tend to reinforce colour-based discrimination against persons with albinism are rooted in several factors, including deeply rooted myths and prejudices, the role of the media in perpetuating negative stereotypes, poor knowledge on albinism and weak enforcement mechanisms despite existing legal and policy instruments," Miti-Drummond said.
Miti-Drummond urged States to initiate reform and policy changes to ensure a systemwide response to the psychosocial impact of colour-based discrimination, its root causes and manifestations against persons with albinism.
