Hilda Macheso, a Malawian disability rights advocate and recipient of the Human Rights Watch Marca Bristo Fellowship for Courageous Leadership in Disability Rights, welcomed the Independent Expert’s report highlighting the persistent structural discrimination faced by persons with albinism.
People with albinism continue to encounter stigma, harmful stereotypes, and myths that limit their opportunities and safety. This discrimination affects all stages of life, including education. Research in Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania shows that without reasonable accommodations—such as assistive devices, large-print materials, sunscreen, hats, or seating close to the blackboard—many children with albinism cannot fully access education, often falling behind or dropping out.
Exclusion extends into adulthood, where adults with albinism face workplace discrimination due to misconceptions about their productivity, ability to work outdoors, or perceived additional costs. They are often denied employment opportunities simply because of stigma rather than capability.
States have clear obligations under international human rights law to prevent discrimination and provide reasonable accommodations in employment, including during recruitment and hiring. Measures such as flexible scheduling to avoid peak sun exposure, additional time for tests, protective clothing, sunscreen provision, and modified work environments are essential for enabling equal participation.
Human Rights Watch urges governments to implement and enforce anti-discrimination laws, ensure reasonable accommodations in workplaces, and invest in public education to counter stigma. Persons with albinism do not require charity; they require equal opportunity and meaningful inclusion in all aspects of society.
