A/HRC/40/62 awareness of the systemic violations that persons with albinism face. Even where certain areas have been deemed “hot spots” for attacks against persons with albinism, limited police patrols have been instituted; only limited strategic and sustainable efforts have been made to deploy adequate officers in communities where persons with albinism are at risk. 56. In addition, in their submissions stakeholders underscored a serious lack of psychological support, medical support, safe shelters, livelihood or financial support and counselling for persons with albinism. 45 Where such support is available, it is often within the ambit of a donor-funded project.46 This adversely affects sustainability, as initiatives often phase out upon completion of the project. In a submission from Malawi it was noted that no psychosocial services are provided by the Government, despite survivors struggling to live with trauma and families failing to cope with the disappearance of their loved ones. 57. Stakeholders also indicated that even when initiatives are primarily spearheaded by the State, holistic support is often lacking. For instance, shelters for child victims of attacks often do not meet the minimum standards to be safely occupied by children. 47 Legal aid 58. In their submissions stakeholders referred to the availability of legal aid services, often operated by the State through a specified legal aid department with full-time lawyers, but with the possibility of outsourcing private lawyers for support when necessary. However, legal aid systems are often overwhelmed and face significant resource constraints. Hence, the quality of legal aid service provided is compromised. 59. In Ghana, a stakeholder reported that the State has established a legal aid scheme with professional staff to provide free legal services to the indigent and vulnerable. However, the scheme is too weak and inadequately equipped to ensure that justice is accessible to the poor, including persons with albinism. The scheme has a limited number of lawyers and is not available in rural areas. In addition, there is limited public awareness about how to access its services. Other stakeholders stressed the fact that legal aid is sometimes available in the form of legal advice, and most persons with albinism or their families remained without legal representation during court sessions. 48 60. It is also concerning to note that the legal knowledge and awareness of legal aid providers regarding the rights of persons with albinism continues to be limited. In a submission from Uganda a stakeholder noted that legal practitioners are not fully aware of the issues faced by persons with albinism and how to provide legal services to them. This has affected the quality and effectiveness of the legal aid support provided. 61. Initiatives are under way in some countries to specifically provide legal aid services for persons with albinism. For instance, in Uganda, the Legal Action on Persons with Disabilities and the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda offer free legal services to persons with disabilities, including those with albinism, who have suffered violations.49 In a submission from Zambia, a stakeholder noted that Disability Rights Watch followed up with a number of cases on behalf of persons with disabilities and has proven to be more effective than the legal support from Government. 62. Commendable efforts were particularly noted with regard to the Government of Fiji in the provision of legal aid for persons with albinism. It was reported that the Government has established approximately 15 legal aid commissions in rural and urban centres, including on outer islands, which has facilitated access to justice for many, including persons with albinism. 45 46 47 48 49 12 Submission from a stakeholder in Zambia. Submissions from stakeholders in Senegal and Uganda. African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, Report on Investigative Mission on the Situation of Children with Albinism in Temporary Holding Shelters – Tanzania (Addis Ababa, 2016). Submission from a stakeholder in the United Republic of Tanzania. Submission from a stakeholder in Uganda.