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

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

The History Of International Albinism Awareness Day

This holiday was created by the UN General Assembly on December 18, 2014, when they adopted Resolution 69/170. Although this holiday was created in 2014, it would take effect until June 13, 2015. What led up to the creation of this persecution and murder of people with albinism hat was taking place in the African Great Lakes region.

This was taking place due to the widespread belief in that region that the bodies of albinistic people held certain magical properties and powers. As a result, people who had albinism were being killed and dismembered, or the graves of recently deceased albino people 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 were cursed.

Facts About Albinism

Below are some quick facts on albinism.

• It’s estimated that 1 to 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’s 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 advertises 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.