SECOND PART: APPLICATION FORM IN WORD
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with
albinism
[HRC resolution 28/6]
Appointments of additional special procedures mandate holders to be
made at HRC29 in July 2015
How to start the application process:
The application process consists of two parts: the first part is a web-based survey and
the second part is an application form in Word format. Both parts and all sections of
the application form need to be completed for the application to be processed.
First part: The web-based survey for two additional mandates is used to collect
information for statistical purposes such as personal data (i.e. name, gender,
nationality), contact details, mandate/s applying for and nominating entity. The
web-based survey for two additional mandates should only be completed
once, even if the candidate is applying for both additional mandates. Multiple
selection is allowed to indicate an application for both mandates.
Second part: The application form in Word which can be downloaded, completed and
saved in Word format and then submitted as an attachment by email. Information
provided in this form includes a motivation letter of maximum 600 words. The
application form should be completed in English only. It will be used as received to
prepare the public list of candidates who applied for each vacancy and will be made
available to concerned parties, including through the OHCHR public website.
Once completed, the application form in Word should be submitted by email to
hrcspecialprocedures@ohchr.org
If the candidate is applying for more than one mandate, a mandate-specific Word
application form needs to be completed and submitted for each mandate.

A maximum of three reference letters can be attached, in pdf format, to the
application sent by email. No additional documents such as CVs or lists of
publications will be accepted.

Application deadline: 30 April 2015 (12.00 noon GMT)

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed at a later stage.
General description of the selection process is available at
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/SP/Pages/Nominations.aspx
Please note that for Working Group appointments, only nationals of States belonging
to the specific regional group are eligible. Please refer to the list of United Nations
regional groups of Member States at
http://www.un.org/depts/DGACM/RegionalGroups.shtml
In case of technical difficulties, or if you encountering problems completing or
accessing any of the forms, the Secretariat may be contacted by email at
hrcspecialprocedures@ohchr.org or fax at + 41 22 917 9011.
An acknowledgment email will be sent when we receive both parts of the
application process, i.e. the information through the web-based survey and
the Word application form by email.
Thank you for your interest in the work of the Human Rights Council.
1|Page
SECOND PART: APPLICATION FORM IN WORD
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with
albinism
[HRC resolution 28/6]
Appointments of additional special procedures mandate holders to be
made at HRC29 in July 2015
I. PERSONAL DATA
1. Family name: Mullins
5. Sex:
2. First name: Garth
6. Date of birth (dd-mm-yy): 13-Nov70
7. Place of birth: Ottawa, ON, Canada
3. Maiden name (if any): n/a
4. Middle name: Richard
Male
Female
8. Nationality (please indicate the
nationality that will appear on the
public list of candidates): Canadian
9. Any other nationality: n/a
II. MANDATE - SPECIFIC COMPETENCE / QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE
NOTE: Please describe why the candidate’s competence / qualifications /
knowledge is relevant in relation to the specific mandate:
1. QUALIFICATIONS (200 words)
Relevant educational qualifications or equivalent professional experience in
the field of human rights; good communication skills (i.e. orally and in
writing) in one of the six official languages of the United Nations (i.e. Arabic,
Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish.)
I am a sociologist with fifteen years of experience involving protection of the rights of
indigenous peoples. As a radio producer and journalist, I have developed strong
written and oral communication skills. My work as a community organizer has made
me a knowledgeable human rights advocate and coalition builder.
I conducted five years of research into discrimination and violence against people
with albinism for a multi-award winning documentary, which aired globally. I
interviewed survivors of attacks from East Africa; people with albinism facing
intersectional discrimination as people of colour in the US and advocates for people
with albinism. I included my own history as a person with albinism who has faced
violence and discrimination. I reported my findings to various media outlets, civil
society groups and UN delegates.
I hold an MSc in Political Sociology from the London School of Economics, focusing on
economic globalization and human rights.
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SECOND PART: APPLICATION FORM IN WORD
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with
albinism
[HRC resolution 28/6]
Appointments of additional special procedures mandate holders to be
made at HRC29 in July 2015
I’ve spent the last twelve years working as a social impact assessor for the
Government of Canada, which involves meeting with First Nations to identify effects
of policies on indigenous rights, and ensuring decision makers have an unbiased
understanding of impacts and proposed solutions.
2. RELEVANT EXPERTISE (200 words)
Knowledge of international human rights instruments, norms and principles.
(Please state how this was acquired.)
Knowledge of institutional mandates related to the United Nations or other
international or regional organizations’ work in the area of human rights.
(Please state how this was acquired.)
Proven work experience in the field of human rights. (Please state years of
experience.)
I have developed a strong understanding of relevant human rights instruments and
UN mandates from working with NGOs on the promotion of several UN motions
related to albinism.
I have written for and spoken to the Canadian media about the condition of people
with albinism and relevant UN initiatives.
I was a witness at the BC Human Rights Commission for a case involving
discrimination against people with albinism. In preparing my evidence, I became
familiar with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
In my work as a social impact assessor, I have prepared evidence for tribunals on the
human rights impacts of major natural resource projects.
I’ve conducted graduate-level research on human rights and global trade agreements.
This made me familiar with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
As a treaty negotiator, I gained a deep understanding of the connection between land,
human rights, treaty rights and the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples. I developed environmental law-making authorities for indigenous
governments and obtained a mandate from federal cabinet so self-governing
indigenous nations could impose fines and penalties on polluters and poachers.
3. ESTABLISHED COMPETENCE (200 words)
Nationally, regionally or internationally recognized competence related to
human rights. (Please explain how such competence was acquired.)
3|Page
SECOND PART: APPLICATION FORM IN WORD
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with
albinism
[HRC resolution 28/6]
Appointments of additional special procedures mandate holders to be
made at HRC29 in July 2015
I received the Carole Geller Human Rights Award for my advocacy, research and
communication / awareness-raising related to human rights and the Asia Pacific
Economic Cooperation. I acquired expertise in how various states on the Pacific Rim
(including Canada) understand their relationship to the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights.
In 2011, the Deputy Minister of Environment awarded me a citation “in recognition of
your remarkable accomplishments in establishing and maintaining respectful,
equitable and effective interactions with Canada’s First Nations.”
I spent five years as a policy researcher on the health of indigenous peoples in BC. As
a researcher for the First Nations Summit Chiefs Health Committee and the First
Nations & Inuit Health Branch I gained familiarity with World Health Organization
principles, particularity health-related rights and the increased health outcomes for
populations that have greater local / community control over health programs and
resources.
As president of my trade union local and a shop steward since 2012, I have
represented workers with disabilities. I became familiar with International Labour
Organization policy, the duty to accommodate in the workplace and the Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women through this work.
4. FLEXIBILITY/READINESS AND AVAILABILITY OF TIME (200 words)
to perform effectively the functions of the mandate and to respond to its
requirements, including participating in Human Rights Council sessions in
Geneva and General Assembly sessions in New York, travelling on special
procedures visits, drafting reports and engaging with a variety of
stakeholders. (Indicate whether candidate can dedicate an estimated total
of approx. three months per year to the work of a mandate.)
As a federal public servant, I will have the time necessary for the duties of this post.
The federal government provides several ways in which employees may take leave or
work for organizations such as the UN. Environment Canada has released other
employees in the past to work for the UN. I will be able to dedicate three months per
year to the work.
I am completely independent and free from conflict of interest. I have never been
employed by an albinism NGO. I am not a decision-maker for government, nor does
my current job involve people with albinism. I have a proven track record of
neutrality and impartiality in my work.
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SECOND PART: APPLICATION FORM IN WORD
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with
albinism
[HRC resolution 28/6]
Appointments of additional special procedures mandate holders to be
made at HRC29 in July 2015
I have worked with a variety of stakeholders in formal and informal settings on many
issues, including large corporate proponents of industrial projects, local, regional,
national governments, indigenous groups & governments, NGOs, social movement
organizations, academics and community groups.
As a radio producer and freelance journalist, I have a clear communication style with
an economy of jargon and technical terms to communicate to decision makers and
the public on a variety of human rights issues. I am a frequent guest lecturer at postsecondary institutions, and a regular contributor to local radio on human rights issues.
5|Page
SECOND PART: APPLICATION FORM IN WORD
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with
albinism
[HRC resolution 28/6]
Appointments of additional special procedures mandate holders to be
made at HRC29 in July 2015
III. MOTIVATION LETTER (600 word limit)
As a person with albinism, I face discrimination. For this reason, I have always been
drawn to human rights work, as an academic, journalist, policy analyst, researcher
and advocate. This has been my career, but also my passion.
Albinism is very rare. For the most part, we experience discrimination and violence
alone. As an Independent Expert I would help break this isolation.
Making the multi-award winning documentary, The Imaginary Albino
(http://bit.ly/1P8T5Ly) helped me shatter this isolation and connect with the albinism
community around the world. It changed my life and empowered me. I found an
immediate sense of connection and solidarity with others who share the condition.
I have continued raising awareness through classroom teaching, interviews, research
and reporting. I’d like to continue it as an Independent Expert, so that the human
rights instruments that challenge discrimination in other areas can be brought to bear
for people with albinism.
As a group, we are marginalized from employment, more likely to be victims of
violence, culturally excluded and traumatized, and we face unique health impacts.
From East Africa to Hollywood, negative cultural stereotypes abound.
My career has focused on individuals and groups experiencing discrimination on
multiple, interrelated fronts. Indigenous women and girls in Canada face oppression
and violence on the basis of age, gender, race and economic status. My work as a
community organizer has involved following local, national and international
initiatives to address the ongoing tragedy of missing and murdered indigenous
women in Canada. As a treaty negotiator, I frequently worked with matriarchs and
elders in various indigenous nations.
Working with First Nations, particularly on the remote northwest coast of Canada, I
have learned to be adaptable in cross-cultural contexts. They have taught me to
listen carefully, and to “be hard on the issues, but soft on the people.” Also, I love the
travel.
Like indigenous people, people with albinism are not a homogenous group. We face
intersectional discrimination as women, children, national and religious minorities and
as people with disabilities.
As a sociologist, I understand how barriers to employment, cultural participation and
political opportunity structures can marginalize people to the very edges of society.
States need to hear from such voices. Amplifying them is part of this post.
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SECOND PART: APPLICATION FORM IN WORD
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with
albinism
[HRC resolution 28/6]
Appointments of additional special procedures mandate holders to be
made at HRC29 in July 2015
I would also emphasize good practices, such as sunscreen being produced locally in
Tanzania, the employment of persons with albinism in high profile advocacy roles and
the building of stronger relationships between civil society groups and states. I would
also highlight the work of people with albinism who are acting to end discrimination.
I look to indigenous nations that provide a model of positive cultural ideas about the
condition. The Kuna in Panama and the Hopi in the US venerate people with albinism,
rather than vilify them. As a media maker, I know how to communicate and promote
ideas.
Through dialogue and consultation with levels of government and stakeholders, I
understand the complex relationship between international commitments, national
policy, the economy and the lived reality of individuals. My action-oriented
recommendations will come out of this nuanced understanding.
I have worked with albinism NGOs to promote resolutions at the HRC and addressed
UN delegates in support of International Albinism Awareness Day. While I am largely
an outsider to the UN’s internal processes, my career has been about implementing
human rights with UN instruments and concepts.
Assuming the post of Independent Expert is the best way I can think of to help
improve the status of people with albinism globally – to challenge the marginalization,
isolation, stereotyping and violence that we face.
7|Page
SECOND PART: APPLICATION FORM IN WORD
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with
albinism
[HRC resolution 28/6]
Appointments of additional special procedures mandate holders to be
made at HRC29 in July 2015
IV. LANGUAGES (READ / WRITTEN / SPOKEN)
Please indicate all language skills:
Mother tongue: English
Arabic: Yes or no: No
If yes,
Read: Easily or Not easily:
Write: Easily or Not easily:
Speak: Easily or Not easily:
Chinese: Yes or no: No
If yes,
Read: Easily or not easily:
Write: Easily or not easily:
Speak: Easily or not easily:
English: Yes or no: Yes
If yes,
Read: Easily or not easily: Easily
Write: Easily or not easily: Easily
Speak: Easily or not easily: Easily
French: Yes or no: Yes
If yes,
Read: Easily or not easily: not easily
Write: Easily or not easily: not easily
Speak: Easily or not easily: not easily
Russian: Yes or no: No
If yes,
Read: Easily or not easily:
Write: Easily or not easily:
Speak: Easily or not easily:
Spanish: Yes or no: No
If yes,
Read: Easily or not easily:
Write: Easily or not easily:
Speak: Easily or not easily:
8|Page
SECOND PART: APPLICATION FORM IN WORD
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with
albinism
[HRC resolution 28/6]
Appointments of additional special procedures mandate holders to be
made at HRC29 in July 2015
V. EDUCATIONAL RECORD
NOTE: Please list the candidate’s academic qualifications (university level
and higher).
Name of degree and name of academic
institution:
MSc Political Sociology - London School of
Economics
BA Sociology - University of Victoria
9|Page
Years of
attendance
(from-to):
1995-1997
1988 - 1994
Place and
country:
London, UK
Victoria, Canada
SECOND PART: APPLICATION FORM IN WORD
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with
albinism
[HRC resolution 28/6]
Appointments of additional special procedures mandate holders to be
made at HRC29 in July 2015
VI. EMPLOYMENT RECORD
NOTE: Please briefly list ALL RELEVANT professional positions held,
beginning with the most recent one.
Name of employer,
functional title,
main functions of position:
Years of work
(from-to):
Place and
country:
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - Freelance
Producer - research, writing, narration, production
of radio documentaries and web content on
human rights / social issues
2012 - present
Canada
Environment Canada - research on & consultation
with indigenous peoles on impacts from major
industrial projects & environmental policy, in
order to advise decision-makers about impacts to
rights of indigenous peoples
2004 - present
Vancouver,
Canada
First Nations Summit Chiefs Health Committee &
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch - researcher
on health programs & impacts to indigenous
peoples, policy analyst on transfer of health
program control to local communities
1998 - 2002
Vancouver,
Canada
10 | P a g e
SECOND PART: APPLICATION FORM IN WORD
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with
albinism
[HRC resolution 28/6]
Appointments of additional special procedures mandate holders to be
made at HRC29 in July 2015
VII. COMPLIANCE WITH ETHICS AND INTEGRITY PROVISIONS
(of Human Rights Council resolution 5/1)
1. To your knowledge, does the candidate have any official, professional,
personal, or financial relationships that might cause him/her to limit the
extent of their inquiries, to limit disclosure, or to weaken or slant findings in
any way? If yes, please explain.
No
2. Are there any factors that could either directly or indirectly influence,
pressure, threaten, or otherwise affect the candidate’s ability to act
independently in discharging his/her mandate? If yes, please explain:
No
3. Is there any reason, currently or in that past, that could call into question
the candidate’s moral authority and credibility or does the candidate hold
any views or opinions that could prejudice the manner in which she/he
discharges his mandate? If yes, please explain:
No
4. Does the candidate comply with the provisions in paragraph 44 and 46 of
the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1?
Para. 44: The principle of non-accumulation of human rights functions
at a time shall be respected.
Para. 46: Individuals holding decision-making positions in Government
or in any other organization or entity which may give rise to a conflict
of interest with the responsibilities inherent to the mandate shall be
excluded. Mandate holders will act in their personal capacity.
Yes
5. Should the candidate be appointed as a mandate holder, he/she will have
to take measures to comply with paragraphs 44 and 46 of the annex to
Council resolution 5/1. In the event that the current occupation or activity,
even if unpaid, of the candidate may give rise to a conflict of interest (e.g. if
a candidate holds a decision-making position in Government) and/or there is
an accumulation of human rights functions (e.g. as a member of another
human rights mechanism at the international, regional or national level),
necessary measures could include relinquishing positions, occupations or
activities. If applicable, please indicate the measures the candidate will take.
The candidate is willing to take any measures necessary to comply with Para 44 & 46,
including but not limited to relinquishing positions, occupations and activities.
****
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