International Albinism Awareness Day 2024: Celebrating a Decade of Progress and Advocating for a More Inclusive Society.
By Bisi Bamishe, National President
Albinism Association of Nigeria
Today, on International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD), we commemorate a decade since the United Nations declared June 13th as a day to recognise the struggles and triumphs of persons with albinism worldwide.
In 2014, the United Nations declared June 13 International Albinism Awareness Day. June 13 was selected because it was the date of the first UN resolution on albinism in 2013. That resolution raised the alarm on attacks and discrimination against people with albinism. Since then, June 13 has been celebrated as a platform to not only further raise alarm of those violations but to also raise a platform to celebrate people with albinism worldwide.
International Albinism Awareness Day aims to promote understanding and acceptance of the diversity of human skin and hair colour. It also stresses the importance of inclusion and belonging, and the need to create a more inclusive and supportive society for persons with albinism.
Over the years, the day has become an occasion to educate the public on issues of concern about persons with albinism as well as mobilise political will and resources to address
their plight.
For the past 10years, we have been celebrating the day in style, bringing awareness to millions of people about albinism. This year’s theme, “10 years of IAAD: A decade of collective progress,” highlights the achievements made so far and the ongoing pursuit of equality, inclusivity, and protection for persons with albinism.
This theme invites us to :
▪︎ Celebrate the strides made within albinism community, with renewed commitment for the future;
▪︎ Highlight the tireless efforts of global albinism groups;
- Reflect on the continued legal policy and practical changes still required to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism. Albinism is a rare, non contagious genetically inherited difference present at birth.
- Albinism results in lack of pigmentation of melanin in the hair, eyes and colour, causing vulnerability to the sun and bright light. In all types of albinism, both parents must carry the gene for it to be passed on, even if they don’t have albinism themselves.
- Almost all persons with albinism are visually impaired and are prone to developing skin cancer. Unfortunately there is no cure for absence of melanin.
It is sad that albinism remains widely misunderstood, leading to discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion.
However, the past decade has seen significant strides in the albinism movement, with increased awareness, advocacy, and policy changes. It is worth noting that much work remain to be done to address the persistent challenges faced by persons with albinism which include:
- Discrimination and stigma, leading to social isolation and marginalization Limited representation and inclusion in the media, education, and employment
- Continued violence and persecution, including killings and bodily harm.
-Lack of access to adequate healthcare, particularly in low-income countries.
In Nigeria for example, we lose at least, two people every month to skin cancer. Skin cancer is highly preventable when persons with albinism enjoy their rights to health. This includes access to regular skin checks, sunscreen, UV umbrella, sun protective clothing and sunglasses.
As we mark this milestone, we acknowledge the progress made and renew our commitment to creating a society that values diversity and promotes inclusivity, We urge governments, international organisations, and civil society to join us in addressing the remaining gaps and ensuring the full enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.
To commemorate IAAD 2024, events and activities are taking place nationwide. These activities will continue till the end of this month. The activities include;
- Awareness campaigns and educational programs
- Road walk, media talk etc
- Advocacy initiatives and policy discussions.
Join us in recognising the strength and resilience of persons with albinism and in working together towards a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
We want to express our appreciation to Federal and state government as well as development partners, most especially Disability Rights Fund and Sightsavers, for their tremendous support to albinism community in Nigeria.
There is more work to be done. By spreading awareness about albinism, we can help to make the world a better place for those affected by this condition. We can help them to feel more supported and accepted, and we can help to raise awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion.
Thank you.
