 "International Albinism Awareness Day 2023")
In an effort by the United Nations to end the abuse of albinos, June 13 (Tuesday) is International Albinism Awareness Day around the world.
Albinism is a rare genetic condition in which the skin, hair, and eyes lack pigmentation (melanin), making them vulnerable to the sun and bright light. Even though albinism is not contagious, most people who have it have trouble seeing and are more likely to get skin cancer. In a few societies all over the planet, and especially in numerous African nations, individuals with albinism live in constant feelings of fear toward murder. Others are subjected to severe bullying and discrimination.
International Albinism Awareness Day 2023: Theme
The theme of the current year's celebration of International Albinism Awareness Day is "Inclusion is strength." It emphasizes the significance of including albino individuals of all races and ethnicities, as well as young people, women, children, and the elderly. It also emphasizes the necessity of collaborating with other organizations, such as human rights organizations that are not directly associated with the albinism movement.
The UN site says that the current year's theme focuses on the importance and benefits of:
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• Involving a wide range of albinos, including youth, women, children, older adults, LGBTQ+, and of all races and ethnicities, in albinism-related discussions.
• Collaborating with and accepting albinism in the disability movement as well as in other areas where decisions affect albinos, and looking for ways to work together with human rights groups and other groups that aren't part of the albinism movement.
International Albinism Awareness Day 2023: History
Tanzania was plagued by albinism during the middle of the 2000s. The nation is accepted to have the highest level of albinos living. In recent decades, hundreds of them have been brutally murdered and mutilated in the African nation. According to local superstitions, certain parts of the body can bring luck and prosperity. The albinos are evil spirits is another common myth.
The Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS) and other non-governmental organizations advocated for albinos' human rights. They observed Albino Day for the first time on May 4, 2006. Since then, it has been known as National Albino Day.
In 2013, the UNHRC took on an objective called "Attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism." Since albinism is still widely misunderstood, both socially and medically, this UN resolution called for the prevention of attacks and discrimination against albinos. People with albinism are frequently the target of erroneous beliefs and myths that are influenced by superstition. These misconceptions contribute to their marginalization, social exclusion, and a variety of forms of stigma and discrimination.
In the end, on December 18, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) approved a resolution claiming June 13 as International Albinism Awareness Day, which would take effect in 2015. On March 26, 2015, the UNGA established the mandate of Independent Experts on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism in response to a request made by civil society organizations.
International Albinism Awareness Day 2023: Importance
In Madagascar, albinos have been kidnapped and attacked as latest in 2022. Every year, International Albinism Awareness Day celebrations are necessary to continue the fight for albino people's human rights and condemn such attacks.
International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) provides an opportunity to educate the general public and fight against misconceptions about albinism. It helps bring issues to light about the hereditary condition, its causes, and the difficulties looked by people with albinism. By eliminating fantasies and advancing precise data, IAAD adds to lessening stigma, discrimination, and prejudice against individuals with albinism.
