13 June 2019
On 18 December 2014, the General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/69/170 proclaiming, with effect from 2015, 13 June as International Albinism Awareness Day.
The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution in 2013 (A/HRC/RES/23/13) calling for the prevention of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism. Moreover, in response to the call from civil society organizations advocating to consider persons with albinism as a specific group with particular needs that require special attention, on 26 March 2015, the Council created the mandate of Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.
In January 2016, Ms. Ikponwosa Ero, United Nations Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights of Persons with Albinism submitted her first report on albinism (A/HRC/31/63) to the UN Human Rights Council. Adding to the information contained in the July 2016 report to the General Assembly (A/71/255), a report was presented to the Human Rights Council in 2017 (A/HRC/34/59), which included a focus on witchcraft as a key root cause of attacks against persons with albinism. In July 2018, the Secretary-General transmitted to the General Assembly the report of the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism (A/HRC/37/57) in accordance with Human Rights Council resolutions A/HRC/RES/28/6 and A/HRC/RES/37/5
Albinism Awareness Day 2019 - "Still Standing Strong"
"Still Standing Strong" is the theme for this year's International Albinism Awareness Day. This is a call to recognize, celebrate and stand in solidarity with persons with albinism around the world, and to support their cause – from their accomplishments and positive practices to the promotion and protection of their human rights. Persons with albinism have faced, and continue to face, ongoing hurdles and challenges that seriously undermine their enjoyment of human rights. From stigma and discrimination, to barriers in health, education, and invisibility in social and political arenas. In addition, in several countries they are subject to heinous attacks and killings. Despite all these challenges, persons with albinism remain positive and are STILL STANDING STRONG!
A call for solidarity!
In solidarity with persons with albinism worldwide, use the hashtags #stillstrong #iaad #iaad2019 #AlbinismDay #standupforhumanrights
International days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool.
