HRC55 - NB8 statement - Albinism

Human Rights Council – 55th session

Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Albinism

Statement by Denmark on behalf of Nordic Baltic countries

6 March 2024

Mr. President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.

We thank Mme Miti-Drummond for her report on the right to education for persons with albinism.

The right to education is a fundamental human right for all. Persons with albinism must have equal access to education without discrimination, and they should be provided with reasonable accommodations in order to uphold their rights at all stages of lifelong learning.

We welcome the Independent Expert’s call on States to counter barriers to the right to education without discrimination, including combatting stigma, discrimination and bullying. We acknowledge the importance of awareness raising about albinism, as well as promoting timely and reasonable accommodations for the specific needs of persons with albinism. Moreover, we recognise the important role of non-governmental stakeholders in advocating and developing best practices for learners with albinism.

Mme Miti-Drummond, you note in your report that lack of understanding is the leading cause for the failure to ensure reasonable accommodations for learners with albinism.

In your view, what concrete staps should States take to fill the gaps in the provision of reasonable accommodations?

I thank you.