International Albinism Awareness Day is an awareness day designed to raise public attention about albinism and to focus the world’s efforts on albinism advocacy. It has been observed since 2015 to celebrate and emphasize the human rights of people with albinism worldwide.

Each year, there are unprovoked attacks on people with albinism, a phenomenon that the authors of this holiday hope will be solved by educating more people about albinism. This holiday also highlights the health challenges faced by people with albinism, particularly skin cancers and vision problems.

The History of International Albinism Awareness Day

The UN General Assembly created this holiday on December 18, 2014, when they adopted Resolution 69/170. Although this holiday was created in 2014, it did not take effect until June 13, 2015. What led to the creation of this day was the persecution and murder of people with albinism that was taking place in the African Great Lakes region.

This was happening due to the widespread belief in that region that the bodies of people with albinism held certain magical properties and powers. As a result, people with albinism were being killed and dismembered, or the graves of recently deceased albino individuals were desecrated and dug up. Another common belief that led to the persecution of people with albinism is the belief that they were bad luck or cursed.

Facts About Albinism

Below are some quick facts about albinism:

• It is estimated that 1 in 20,000 people are born with albinism each year.
• Genetic mutations are believed to be the cause of albinism.
• In Africa, the albinism rate is approximately 1 in 5,000.

Observing International Albinism Awareness Day

It is recommended that everyone celebrate this holiday to fight the misinformation that plagues people with albinism and to protect their rights. Each year, the United Nations promotes this holiday with a particular theme.

For example, in 2016, the theme was “Celebrate diversity; Promote inclusion; Protect our rights,” and in 2021, the theme was “Strength beyond all odds.” People can spread the word about this holiday by using the hashtag #InternationalAlbinismAwarenessDay on their social media accounts.