A/HRC/31/63 reports indicate that most persons with albinism die from skin cancer between the ages of 30 and 40 years.17 A recent sampling of 77 persons with albinism from different African countries seems to support the reported trends. Of the 77, 43 had 239 pre-cancerous lesions and 3 required immediate surgical attention. 18 This sample indicates the scale of the problem in the region and the need for immediate attention. 38. Studies often link the prevalence of skin cancer to factors such as the lack of basic understanding of albinism, particularly by persons with albinism and their families. For example, it is not uncommon for parents to put a newborn with albinism out in the sun for hours. Displaced persons with albinism are exposed to a heightened risk of skin cancer as they are mostly outside of their usual environment and have limited means to address their health needs. Also at particular risk of developing skin cancer are persons with albinism who work outdoors, such as farmers or traders. Such outdoor occupations also emphasize the link between the risk of contracting skin cancer and poverty. 39. The general lack awareness of the link between albinism and skin cancer means that the prevalence of the condition has led to the belief that pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions on a person with albinism is a necessary part of albinism. The appearance of such lesions on persons with albinism adds more stigma to an already stigmatized appearance and exposes person with albinism to further discrimination, particularly when seeking employment. 40. Yet, there are several effective ways to prevent skin cancer, including the use of sun protection cream, which is topically applied, or wearing sun-protective clothing with long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Given the accessibility and effectiveness of protective clothing, skin cancer could be significantly prevented at little cost with the right level of public education and early intervention programmes targeting persons with albinism and their families. E. Women and children 41. Women and children with albinism are particularly vulnerable as they are exposed to intersecting and multiple forms of discrimination. In addition, children are particularly targeted for ritual killings and women are sometimes victims of sexual violence. 19 The Human Rights Council Advisory Committee also stressed the specific challenges faced by women and children with albinism in that regard.20 42. Children with albinism are often particular targets of attacks due to the witchcraftbased belief that the innocence of a victim from whom body parts are taken increases the potency of the potion for which the body parts are used. Cases reported by civil society indicate that children constitute a large proportion of victims of ritual attacks. 43. As noted by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, children with albinism are at high risk of abandonment, stigmatization and 17 18 19 20 See, for example, Andres E. Cruz-Inigo, Barry Ladizinsky and Aisha Seth, “Albinism in Africa: stigma, slaughter and awareness campaigns”, Dermatologic Clinics, vol. 29, No. 1 (January 2011), pp. 79-87 (citing J. Luande, Claudia I. Henschke and Nassoro Mohammed, “The Tanzanian human albino skin. Natural history”, Cancer, vol. 55, Issue 8 (15 April 1985) pp. 1823-1828). Indicative sampling of 77 leaders and activists with albinism, Clinic Data Report, unpublished, “Standing Voice”, Pan African Albinism Conference, held in Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania,19-22 November 2015. See A/HRC/24/57, para. 74. See A/HRC/28/75, paras. 35-38. 11