International Albinism Awareness Day is celebrated worldwide on 13 June. IAAD aims to raise awareness on albinism and to prevent discrimination against persons with albinism. To protect the rights of a person with albinism Yusuf Mohamed Ismail Bari-Bari made his effort to pass a resolution for International Albinism Awareness Day to the United Nations. Later on, June 13 International Albinism Awareness Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.

What is Albinism?

Albinism is a rare, non-communicable, genetically inherited difference present at birth. In Albinism the skin pigment called melanin is less available in eyes, hair, and skin due to which people are vulnerable to the sun and bright light.  Albinism usually makes coloring lighter than that from a typical family background.

International Albinism Awareness Theme 2020: Made to Shine

The theme for this year’s International Albinism Awareness day is “Made To Shine”. The objective of the theme is to celebrate the achievements and success of persons with albinism worldwide. In this time of crisis, people with albinism are branded “Corona” and people with albinism continue to be discriminated against. Despite these horrific practices, people with albinism continue to defy odds, overcome hurdles, and face up to injustices with strength.

Challenges faced by People Living with Albinism

People with albinism are at high risk of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer can be prevented if albinism people enjoy their right to health that has access to regular health checks, sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. People with albinism also face discrimination on the grounds of both disability and color. Albinism is still misunderstood, socially, and medically. The physical appearance of persons with albinism is often the object of myths that influenced misconceptions and superstition, which foster their marginalization and social exclusion.

Let’s stand together with people with albinism all over the world in their fight to live a life that is free of discrimination and fear and create a world where they are made to shine. 

INFORMATION SOURCE: https://www.un.org/en/observances/albinism-day