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Independent Expert on the rights of persons with albinism

About the mandate

Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition which commonly results in the lack of melanin pigment in the hair, skin and eyes, causing vulnerability to sun exposure. The physical appearance of persons with albinism is often the object of erroneous beliefs and myths influenced by superstition, which foster their marginalization and social exclusion.

On 10 April 2015, resolution A/HRC/RES/28/6 was adopted without a vote by the Human Rights Council to establish the mandate of an Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism for a period of three years. It was extended on 22 March 2018 through resolution A/HRC/RES/37/5.

Learn more about albinism as a human rights issue and the mandate of the Independent Expert

Current mandate holder

Ms. Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by person with albinism

Ms. Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond (Zambia) started her mandate as Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with Albinism on 1 August 2021. She has worked in the area of human rights for almost 20 years, most recently as a senior international human rights consultant, including on the area of human rights and albinism. 

Read Ms. Miti-Drummond’s full biography

Former mandate holders

Ms. Ikponwosa Ero

Contact Information

Ms. Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
OHCHR-UNOG 
8-14 Avenue de la Paix 
1211 Geneve 10
Switzerland 

Tel: +41 22 917 9363
Fax: + 41 22 917 9034
Email: ohchr-albinism@un.org

Videos

15 March 2022
Summary of the report on Harmful practices and hate crimes targeting persons with albinism (HRC49/56)
English | French

11 June 2021
A message from the United Nations Expert on Albinism for International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) 2021
Watch on YouTube

13 June 2021
Secretary-General’s statement on Albinism for International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) 2021
Watch on YouTube 

23 July 2021 
High Commissioner’s statement on Albinism for International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) 2021
Watch on YouTube

14 June 2020 
Albinism for International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) 2020 online celebration
Watch on YouTube