UN Experts: Armed Conflicts Threaten Rights of Persons with Albinism and Other Disabilities

The human rights of people with albinism and other disabilities face particular threats during armed conflicts, according to a recent statement by UN experts including the Independent Expert on Albinism.

In times of crisis, persons with albinism often encounter compounded challenges. Their distinctive appearance can make them more visible targets, while access to essential services like specialized skincare and vision support becomes severely restricted. The disruption of these services can have life-threatening consequences.

The statement emphasizes that armed conflicts disproportionately impact persons with disabilities, who face heightened risks of abandonment, violence, and difficulties accessing humanitarian aid. When evacuation becomes necessary, people with albinism and other disabilities frequently encounter additional barriers due to inaccessible transportation or emergency communications.

Protection Gaps During Crisis

According to the UN experts, the protection of civilians, particularly those with disabilities, remains woefully inadequate in many conflict zones. Humanitarian responses often fail to account for the specific needs of persons with albinism, such as sun protection supplies and low vision aids.

"States and parties to conflicts must take all feasible measures to protect civilians," the statement urges, highlighting obligations under international humanitarian law and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Independent Expert on Albinism joined other UN experts in calling for conflict parties to ensure humanitarian access and facilitate evacuations that include persons with disabilities. They also emphasized the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to information about safety measures and evacuation procedures in accessible formats.

Inclusive Humanitarian Response

The statement calls for humanitarian organizations to develop inclusive emergency protocols that specifically address the needs of people with albinism and other disabilities. This includes training staff on disability-inclusive humanitarian action and involving organizations of persons with disabilities in planning and implementing emergency responses.

For people with albinism specifically, humanitarian kits should include sun protection and access to vision services should be maintained whenever possible.

As conflict zones continue to pose grave threats to vulnerable populations worldwide, this call from UN experts highlights the critical importance of ensuring that persons with albinism are not left behind in humanitarian responses and peace processes.