Parliamentary question - E-010699/2015Parliamentary question
E-010699/2015

Addressing albinism from the human rights perspective

Question for written answer E-010699-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Mariya Gabriel (PPE) , Charles Tannock (ECR) , Marie-Christine Vergiat (GUE/NGL) , Maurice Ponga (PPE) , Louis Michel (ALDE) , Beatriz Becerra Basterrechea (ALDE) , Davor Ivo Stier (PPE) , David Martin (S&D) , Maria Arena (S&D) , Michèle Rivasi (Verts/ALE) , Ana Gomes (S&D) , Cristian Dan Preda (PPE) , Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D) , Elena Valenciano (S&D) , Marietje Schaake (ALDE)

Globally, albinism affects one in 17 000 people. It disproportionately affects Afro-Caribbean communities, and the incidence is much higher in Sub-Saharan Africa. Albinism is generally accepted as a health challenge but many misconceptions and myths around this genetic condition make it a human rights and development challenge.

On 13 June 2015, the first UN International Albinism Awareness Day was celebrated and the UN Human Rights Council recently created a mandate for an Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights of persons with albinism.

Considering that human rights are part of the main objectives of the Cotonou Agreement and in the framework of the European Year of Development, the Commission should ensure that significant improvements can be made in the protection and social integration of albinos.

How is the Commission supporting efforts by governments and local governments in partner countries where the incidence of albinism is high to raise awareness and deconstruct prejudices and beliefs about albinos?

How is the Commission encouraging better access to health services and education for albinos including in rural areas?

With which stakeholders and civil society organisations is the Commission engaged in order to address albinism comprehensively from a health, security, gender-based violence and social exclusion perspective?