Every year on June 13, the globe observes International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) to promote knowledge of the disease and to emphasize the value of the human rights of those who have albinism everywhere.
Theme
The theme of International Albinism Awareness Day 2024 is “10 years of IAAD: A decade of collective progress”.
The theme invites us to:
- Celebrate the movement’s achievements and renew your commitment to its future.
- Highlight the diligent efforts of albinism organizations from all around the world.
- Consider the ongoing legal, policy, and practical adjustments needed to guarantee that people with albinism have full and equal access to their rights.
About Albinism
- Gene mutations that alter the quantity of melanin the body produces, regulating the pigmentation (color) of skin, eyes, and hair, result in albinism, a rare genetic disorder.
- Skin, eyes, and hair are abnormally pale in people with albinism. They are more vulnerable to problems with their skin, eyes, and social lives.
- Albinism affects people of all ages, in all nations, and in both sexes, independent of race.
- Because of their sensitivity to the sun and bright light, practically all albinos have sight impairments and are at a significantly higher risk of acquiring skin cancer.
Human rights and people with Albinism
- People with albinism experience prejudice in many kinds worldwide.
- Their physical characteristics are frequently the subject of false myths and beliefs that are fueled by superstition, which contributes to their social marginalization.
Albinism Awareness ribbon color
- The color of the awareness ribbon for albinism is Yellow.
- This ribbon color is used to raise awareness and show support for individuals with albinism, a genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes.
History
- The resolution A/RES/69/170 was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 18, 2014, designating June 13 as International Albinism Awareness Day annually.
- This is in accordance with the suggestions made by Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/RES/26/10 in July 2014, which established June 13 as International Albinism Awareness Day annually.
- June 13, 2015, marked the inaugural International Albinism Awareness Day.
Objective
- To raise awareness about albinism.
- To raise a unified voice and highlight positive themes.
- To foster communication among stakeholders about vulnerabilities, marginalization, stigma, and social exclusion.