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: "Demanding our rights:Protect our skin, Preserve our lives.'' International Albinism Awareness Day 2025. The theme highlights the urgent need to prevent skin cancer in persons with albinism through awareness, screenings, and sunscreen access.The risk of skin cancer is extremely high for persons with albinism, and the lack of access to sunscreen, protective gear, as well as skin cancer screening and treatment can lead to foreseeable, yet preventable deaths. Skin cancer is the primary cause of death for persons with albinism in the Southern African region, rendering sunscreen an essential medicine, not a cosmetic product. The majority of national action plans on albinism adopted by governments include measures to ensure access to sunscreen, protective clothing and regular dermatological check-ups and skin cancer treatments. Several countries have initiatives providing free or subsidized sunscreen and sun protective clothing, access to dermatological services and skin cancer screening, detection and treatment and awareness campaigns to educate persons with albinism and their families about the importance of sun protection. Studies published on the impact of such interventions have shown that these interventions, where implemented, have significantly improved the health outcomes of persons with albinism. 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 conversations with the hashtags: #iaad2025, #sunscreenisadrug, #albinism, #13june, #IAAD, #InclusionIsStrength, #AlbinismDay,
EVENTS: At the UNHQ in New York, on June 13th; The International Albinism Awareness Day 2025 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. Register to participate!
At UN Geneva, on June 13th; Participants will discuss how to make sunscreen accessible for all with albinism. The year 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the mandate on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism. In commemoration of this milestone, in her report the current mandate holder, Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, provides an overview of progress made in the implementation of rights of persons with albinism worldwide over the last decade. The Independent Expert also outlines persisting challenges and makes recommendations for the continued advancement of the rights of persons with albinism. This #IAAD2025, we’ll share a special impact report. Stay tuned!
At the African Union in Addis Ababa, 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).
PUBLICATION: Read the Special Rapporteur on Albinism Report A/HRC/58/57 on the 10th anniversary of the mandate.
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: “Demanding our rights:Protect our skin, Preserve our lives.” Join the 2025 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.