International Albinism Awareness Day (13/06)

On June 13, the world celebrates International Albinism Awareness Day, established by the UN General Assembly resolution (A/RES/69/170) of December 18, 2014. Starting from 2015, it was decided to celebrate it annually.

Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited distinction present at birth. In the case of albinism of almost all types, both parents must be carriers of such a gene for its transmission, even if they themselves do not suffer from albinism. This condition occurs in people of both sexes, regardless of ethnicity, and in all countries of the world.

Although the extent to which albinism has spread varies, it is estimated that in North America and Europe, each of the 20,000 people has some form of albinism. This condition is much more common in sub-Saharan Africa — 1 in 5,000 people.

Albinism results in a lack of pigment (melanin) in hair, skin and eyes, which causes vulnerability to sunlight and bright light. As a result, almost all people with albinism have visual impairments and tend to develop skin cancer. In some countries, most people with albinism die from skin cancer at the age of 30-40 years. In addition, albinism is often the cause of visual impairment of varying severity. The absence of melanin, which is a central factor in albinism, is not treatable.

People with albinism face numerous forms of discrimination around the world. Albinism is still misunderstood both socially and medically. Often the appearance of people suffering from albinism becomes the object of ridicule and erroneous ideas and myths formed under the influence of superstition. All this contributes to the marginalization and social exclusion of these individuals, and leads to various forms of discrimination.

In some communities, false perceptions and myths, strongly influenced by superstition, continually put the safety and lives of people with albinism at risk. These age-old ideas and myths are embedded in cultural traditions and customs throughout the world.

Therefore, in 2013, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution calling on states to take effective measures to eliminate all types of discrimination against people suffering from albinism. And also initiate activities in the field of education and raising public awareness about this disease.

1701