International
Albinism Awareness Day
June 13, 2015
"There is no room in this 21st century for
erroneous and harmful beliefs, or for discrimination on any grounds. People
with albinism are just as deserving of dignity as every other human being. They
have the right to live free from discrimination, deprivation and fear."
Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein UN High Commissioner for
Human Rights
People with albinism face multiple
forms of discrimination worldwide. Albinism is still profoundly misunderstood,
socially and medically. The physical appearance of persons with albinism is
often the object of erroneous beliefs and myths influenced by superstition,
which foster their marginalization and social exclusion. This leads to various
forms of stigma and discrimination.
In some communities, erroneous
beliefs and myths, heavily influenced by superstition, put the security and
lives of persons with albinism at constant risk. These beliefs and myths are
centuries old and are present in cultural attitudes and practices around the
world.
On 18 December 2014, the General
Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming, with effect from
2015, 13 June as International Albinism Awareness Day. The United Nations Human
Rights Council adopted a resolution in 2013 calling for the
prevention of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism.
Moreover, in response to the call from civil society organizations advocating
to consider persons with albinism as a specific group with particular
needs that require special attention, on 26 March 2015, the Council created
the mandate of Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by
persons with albinism.
