ISLAMABAD – The UN Independent Expert on the human rights of persons with albinism, Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, today expressed concern that persons with albinism remain largely overlooked in Pakistan’s efforts to deliver on its human rights and development commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Despite being highly visible because of their physical appearance, persons with albinism are too often invisible in policies, programmes and data that are intended to ensure that no one is left behind,” Miti-Drummond said in a statement at the end of a visit to the country.
While she recognised several positive initiatives by Pakistan, the expert said there is need for a more visible and integrated approach to the challenges and concerns expressed by persons with albinism, including a realignment of federal and provincial legislation and policies on disability rights, as well as in relation to education, health and employment.
Miti-Drummond noted that albinism remains generally misunderstood, resulting in misperceptions which lead to poor treatment, mischaracterisation and inadequate responses to the human rights and intersecting needs of persons with albinism.
“While much has been done to provide free education, health care and subsidised air and rail travel for persons with albinism, the lack of harmonisation between federal and provincial services has led to sporadic and inconsistent provision of support services,” she said. “Many who need support are unclear about existing policies.”
The expert expressed concern over the absence of disaggregated data on albinism across sectors. “Such invisibility in data gathering impedes efforts to determine the prevalence of albinism in Pakistan, area distribution of persons with albinism and the specific challenges they face in their daily lives, including access to services, to be able to ensure their specific needs,” she said.
The impact of climate change on persons with albinism in Pakistan also emerged as an especially concerning issue given the severe rising temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius in parts of the country and the sensitivity of persons with albinism to skin damage from UV rays. “Persons with albinism are known to live in these impacted areas yet remain invisible in climate change adaptation, mitigation, and other policies,” Miti-Drummond said.
She commended the Pakistan Albinism Society for the great work in building a strong network despite inadequate resources and skill sets.
The expert urged the Government of Pakistan and donor partners to support the needs of persons with albinism, including enhanced data collection on albinism to strengthen evidence-based policy decisions that address specific needs and inequalities, and monitor progress on the implementation of human rights and development goals.
The Independent Expert will present a detailed report on her visit to the Human Rights Council in March 2027.
