Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of All Human Rights by Persons with Albinism
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
Human Rights Council – 52nd Session
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
The United States welcomes the Independent Expert’s report on human rights defenders with albinism and on those promoting the rights of persons with albinism. The United States commends the work of these activists.
Human rights defenders, including those with albinism and friends and relatives of persons with albinism, should never face persecution for their work.
The United States provides emergency financial assistance to human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society organizations who have been threatened or attacked for their human rights-related work.
Raising the profile of human rights defenders is necessary to bring visibility to their courageous and often dangerous work. The United States was proud to celebrate a diverse group of human rights defenders at an awards program in Washington in February, to publicly recognize their important, global contributions.
Given that albinism associations and activists do not always identify themselves as human rights defenders, how can States ensure that information about emergency assistance and related programs reach them?
I thank you.
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