New Delhi (NVI): Albinism is a condition that affects millions of people across the world. International Albinism Awareness Day is celebrated on June 13 every year to create awareness and acknowledge the multiple forms of discrimination that people with albinism face worldwide.
Albinism is non-contagious, genetically inherited, rare difference present at birth. This condition results in a lack of pigmentation in skin, hair, and eyes causing vulnerability to the sun and bright light.
As a result, most people with albinism are visually impaired and are also prone to developing skin cancer. There is still no cure for the absence of melanin that is central to albinism.
According to United Nations (UN) report, the numbers of people having albinism vary, it has been estimated that in Europe and North America 1 in every 17,000 to 20,000 people have some form of albinism.
The condition is observed to be more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa with an estimate of 1 in 1400 people being affected in Tanzania. For the select populations in Zimbabwe and other specific ethnic groups of Southern Africa, the prevalence has been reported as high as 1 in 1000, the UN said.
In 2013, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution to stop discrimination against people with albinism. In 2014, on December 18, the UN General Assembly declared June 13 as International Albinism Awareness Day. The first International Albinism Awareness Day was observed in 2015.
This year, the day’s theme is ‘Made to Shine’. The theme has been chosen to celebrate the achievements and successes of people with albinism worldwide.
It also symbolizes that even though people with albinism continues to suffer bullying, stigma, the world stands together with them in their fight for life that is free of violence and discrimination. A world where they are made to shine.
As people with Albinism continue to face all forms of human rights violations. At present, in some of the countries they have also been branded as ‘Corona’ or ‘COVID-19’ in an attempt to blame them for the pandemic.
The UN also said that, due to COVID-19 lockdown, this year celebrate the day by joining the online celebration. In solidarity with person and individuals suffering from albinism worldwide, use the hashtags #MadeToShine #standup4humanrights.
