A/HRC/37/57 children with albinism develop blindness is widespread across the medical and educational sectors and is resulting in children being taught Braille when they do not require it. In some countries those with albinism are registered as “legally blind” or “blind”, although this does not mean they have no vision.37 Right to work 46. The overall health situation of persons with albinism described above, along with discrimination and stigmatization, represent a barrier to favourable conditions of work, in particular regarding safe and healthy working conditions. 38 For instance, in a study on members of the Tonga community with albinism living in a remote area of Zimbabwe, it was highlighted that sensitive skin and photophobia prohibited them from participating in agricultural and fishing activities and that very few other opportunities for work existed.39 47. Furthermore, the appearance of skin cancer lesions on persons with albinism, often confused with albinism itself due to the lack of awareness, leads to even more stigmatization and exposes persons with albinism to further discrimination, particularly when seeking employment. 40 In Pakistan, many persons with albinism “referred to their cosmetic disability as one of the reasons for their joblessness”. 41 Similarly, in Nigeria, “social discrimination, often associated with albinism, constitutes a major obstacle to building of social relationships and finding/maintaining an occupation among persons with albinism”. 42 Reported examples of discrimination and stigmatization in India include refusing to provide work placements and having to sign a declaration to release a college from its duty to provide placements to students. 43 Similarly, in Spain, it was reported that persons with albinism had been discriminated against based on their physical appearance, in particular in employment that required direct contact with clients. Potential employers considered that their appearance could have a negative impact on their business. 44 Women and girls’ rights 48. As pointed out above, women and children, in particular girls, suffer multiple discrimination owing to targeted rape by persons with HIV/AIDS. Consequently, survivors of sexual violence can experience increased health complications, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. 45 C. Psychosocial impact and mental health 49. Mental health has been identified by persons with albinism as one of their major health issues. 46 The issue is global, as the psychological and mental impact of stigmatization is reported worldwide. The need for psychological and rehabilitative support should not be underestimated; not only for those that have survived attacks and mutilation, but also for all persons with albinism who experience fear, bullying, stigmatization, lack of 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 P. Lynch, P. Lund and B. Massah, “Identifying strategies to enhance the educational inclusion of visually impaired children with albinism in Malawi”, International Journal of Educational Development, vol. 39 (2014), pp. 216–224. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, art. 7 (b). Patricia M. Lund and others, “Oculocutaneous albinism in an isolated Tonga community in Zimbabwe”, Journal of Medical Genetics, vol. 34, No. 9 (1997), pp. 733–735. See A/HRC/31/63, para. 39. Azam Jah Samdani and Bahram Khan Khoso, “A unique albino village of Bhatti tribe in rural Sindh, Pakistan, with oculocutaneous albinism manifestations: an epidemiological study”. N.N. Udeh and others, “Oculocutaneous albinism: identifying and overcoming barriers to vision care in a Nigerian population”, p. 512. Information from persons with albinism. Asociación de Ayuda a Personas con Albinismo, Spain. Under the Same Sun, “Kenyans with albinism and racial discrimination”, 2017. Information received from persons with albinism. 11