UN Human Rights Council 55th Session.
Item 3 - Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Albinism.
Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries
[check against delivery]
6 March 2024
Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the Independent Expert for her report on the right to education for persons with albinism.
The right to education is a fundamental human right for all. Persons with albinism must have equal access to education without discrimination, and they should be provided with reasonable accommodations in order to uphold their rights at all stages of lifelong learning.
We welcome the Independent Expert’s call on States to counter barriers to the right to education, including combatting stigma, discrimination and bullying. We acknowledge the importance of awareness raising about albinism, and providing timely and reasonable accommodations for their specific needs. Moreover, we recognise the important role of non-governmental stakeholders in advocating and developing best practices for learners with albinism.
Mme Miti-Drummond, you note in your report that lack of understanding of albinism is the leading cause for the failure to ensure reasonable accommodations for learners with albinism.
In your view, what concrete steps should States take to fill the gaps in the provision of reasonable accommodations?
I thank you.