A UN expert on Wednesday urged increased efforts to promote the implementation of laws to protect people with albinism in Portugal, ensuring their equitable access to education, health, and employment.

The Independent Expert, Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, elaborated in her report that Portugal lacks specific legal provisions on albinism.  Though the UN expert recognized that Portugal has implemented several positive initiatives, there is still a need for coordinated and system-wide measures to raise awareness of albinism. A clearer and more comprehensive framework will ensure that the needs of persons with albinism are fully addressed and that consistent support services are provided nationwide.

Miti-Drummond also noted concerns over the lack of data on albinism, given that data collection on albinism is key for the development of evidence-based policies:

I am also concerned over the absence of disaggregated data on albinism across health, education, employment, immigration, and other sectors, which impede efforts to determine the prevalence of albinism in Portugal, area distribution of persons with albinism, and the specific challenges they face in their daily lives, including access to services.

To address challenges faced by persons with albinism, on 10 April 2015, the Human Rights Council adopted Resolution A/HRC/RES/28/6 on 10 April 2015, establishing the mandate of an Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism for an initial three-year term. The mandate was later renewed on 4 April 2024 through Resolution A/HRC/RES/55/18.

The current holder of this mandate, UN independent expert Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, announced that from 17–27 November 2025, she will conduct an official country visit to Portugal, on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism. During the visit, she will assess and identify areas for improved protection and inclusion for persons with albinism. At the conclusion of the visit, she will issue an end-of-mission statement and present a full report to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2027.