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During HRC61 debate with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, Antoine Gliksohn, Executive Director of the Global Albinism Alliance delivered a joint statement with ISHR. Read and watch the statement below.
Together with the International Service for Human Rights, the Global Albinism Alliance would like to thank the Independent Expert, for her very important work.
Last year, as we marked the 10th anniversary of the UN Mandate on Albinism, we highlighted both the significant progress achieved thanks to the Mandate and the many challenges that persist.
The past few months have clearly illustrated this dual reality.
In September, sustained advocacy efforts led to the inclusion of sunscreen for people with albinism in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines; a decision that will, hopefully, save thousands of lives. Just weeks later, new killings of people with albinism were reported in Madagascar.
These contrasting developments clearly underscore the importance of the Mandate and the need for it to continue beyond its current term ending in 2027.
Since the creation of the Mandate, more than 20 thematic reports and 12 country visits have resulted in numerous recommendations to Member States across all regions of the world. Today, I am addressing each and every one of you in this assembly: what is the current status of the implementation of these recommendations in your own country? And why, despite the tireless efforts of the Independent Expert and the Human Rights defenders, does progress remain so insufficient and uneven?
Watch the full statement here:
At a high-level panel on the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, ISHR called on States to renew their commitments towards its full implementation.
Are you a human rights defender working on democratic backsliding and/or racial justice, keen to use the UN to push for change at home? If so, apply for the 2026 edition of ISHR’s flagship training, the Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP)!
During the 38th Human Rights Council special session on the human rights situation in and around El Fasher, in the context of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, ISHR delivered a joint statement with Sudanese Women’s Rights Action, and the Regional Coalition for Women Human Rights Defenders in South West Asia and North Africa.
