On June 13, 2013 the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva adopted by consensus a resolution sponsored by The African Group of Nations which recognizes and addresses the attacks and discrimination people with albinism face in many countries.
The historic resolution came about as a result of significant cooperation between Under The Same Sun, the Somali Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Yusuf Mohamed Ismail, key member States led by The African Group, and The UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights. The strong leadership of the African Group of Ambassadors was key in this process.
This resolution for the first time establishes at an international level that Persons with Albinism (sometimes called "albinos") face significant human rights violations in many countries. UTSS has data identifying 207 witchcraft-related attacks and killings of PWA’s in 16 different African nations, with the majority of the victims being children. We believe severe discrimination, and at times fatal attacks, occur worldwide in a variety of situations. This historic resolution paves the way to further study and investigation by the UN and other bodies.
Photo: Peter Ash, UTSS founder.
Listen to Peter Ash addressing the UN in the clip below:
Comments