PURPOSE: With the Resolution A/RES/69/170; The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 13th as International Albinism Awareness Day and urge all nations and communities to protect and fulfil the human rights of all persons with albinism and provide necessary support and care. During the Day we reflect on the resilience, perseverance and achievements of people with albinism in the face of pervasive misconceptions, discrimination and violence.
FORUM: “10 years of IAAD: A decade of collective progress.” International Albinism Awareness Day 2024. All around the world today, persons with albinism are celebrating the Awareness Day under the theme “Inclusion is Strength.” The theme is a call for persons with albinism to be included and not left behind in decisions affecting their human rights, in all spheres of life. Let us encourage United Nations Member States to continue their efforts to protect and preserve the rights of persons with albinism to life, dignity and security, as well as their right not to be subject to torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and to continue to ensure equal access to employment, education, justice and the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health. Follow the conversation with the hashtags, #13june, #UnitedInMakingOurVoiceHeard, #IAAD, #InclusionIsStrength, #AlbinismDay,
EVENTS: 2024 marks a decade since the launch of the International Albinism Awareness Day.
At the UNHQ on June 13th; The International Albinism Awareness Day 2024 will be observed by the U.N. General Assembly; This year’s theme invites us to Celebrate the strides made within the movement, with renewed commitment for the future; To Highlight the tireless efforts of albinism groups from around the world; To Reflect on the continued legal, policy and practical changes still required to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism
At the African Union in Addis Abbeba, the Pan African Parliament at African Union (AU) will review the IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX OF THE PLAN OF ACTION TO END ATTACKS AND OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS TARGETING PERSONS WITH ALBINISM IN AFRICA (2021–2031).
WORKSHOPS: On Thursday, May 9, 2024, scheduled for 8:30pm ET // 7:30pm CT // 6:30pm MT // 5:30pm PT, a workshop intended for parents & caregivers, facilitated by Sheila Adamo, LCSW, CADC & Megan Pitt, LMHC was held; This workshop provided an opportunity for parents whose children have been newly diagnosed, or who are still in the early years of parenting to join a community that will share and learn about adapting to the new role of a parent of a child with albinism. The workshop have provided tools and strategies to assist parents while providing a space to discuss concerns and gain support from a community of parents that truly understand. Participants have debated on the common challenges and struggles parents may face and have provided a guide to better support the child.
PODCASTS: Today, we call for Governments, the United Nations counterparts, the civil society organizations, influencers, community members and all stakeholders to reach out to persons with albinism and ensure their voices are heard – to form new partnerships and strengthen existing ones. TOWARD AN INCLUSIVE WORLD FOR PERSONS WITH ALBINISM; FREE FROM BRUTALITY AND DISCRIMINATION. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: “10 years of IAAD: A decade of collective progress.” Join Tthe 2024 Campaign to promote the rights of all people with albinism. Get the campaign materials!
WHY WE OBSERVE THE DAY?
We observe the day on June 13th to encourage persons with albinism in taking their rightful place on decision-making platforms around the world, The President of the U.N. General Assembly, the United Nations independent expert on albinism and the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) are leading a Plan of Action on Albinism in Africa to promote the rights of persons with albinism.
In many parts of the world, awareness of the human rights situation of persons with albinism remains limited, By recognizing the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of albinism in order to fight against global discrimination and stigma against persons with albinism, we can help them.
ACTIONS
There are many ways to get involved, spread awareness.
Highlight the need of people with albinism around the world.
Show that people with albinism were made to defy all odds.
Celebrate how people with albinism worldwide meet and exceed expectation in all domains of life.
Encourage everyone during this time of global pandemic and to join the global effort to #BuildBackBetter
PARTNERSHIPS
The International Albinism Awareness Day is Hoster by the African Union (AU); Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC); The UN Independent Expert on Albinism, The Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances, The Committee on the Rights of the Child; The Committee on The Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.
The United Nations will seek out short or long-term partnerships with various organizations, with a priority of organizations representing persons with albinism, in accordance with its strategic plans to actualize its mission.