International Albinism Awareness Day 2022: Here's everything you need to know

Albinism is a rare genetic health condition that results in the scarcity of sufficient melanin or pigmentation in the skin, hair or eyes. Albinism often causes vulnerability to the sunlight but is not contagious.

Every year on June 13, the International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) is observed to represent the celebration of the human rights of people with albinism and raise awareness for their health condition.

Studies have revealed that people with albinism are likely to get affected by many biological, mental and social issues. These people are prone to undergo drastic differences in skin pigmentation. Moreover, a lot of people with albinism often have permanent visual impairment due to a lack of melanin in their eyes.


In terms of social issues, these people often experience a substantial degree of social discrimination linked to their physical condition.

Theme of International Albinism Awareness Day, 2022
This year, the chosen theme for the IAAD is “United in making our voice heard". It celebrates the effort to amplify the voices working for albinism and highlights the work done so far for the people with albinism. The theme “United in making our voice heard” also intends to spread a sense of unity and celebrate the multiple versions of the lives of people living with albinism.

History of International Albinism Awareness Day
The United Nations Human Rights Council took the initiative on December 18, 2014, to prevent the attacks and discrimination against people with albinism, and for this purpose, the Council decided to observe the International Albinism Awareness Day every year on June 13. International Albinism Awareness Day was first observed in 2015.

Significance of International Albinism Awareness Day
The General Council of Human Rights adopted the firm step of the IAAD after the strong advocation by civil society organizations. The Council granted the idea of mandating people with albinism to live with equal rights and to be considered a specific group of people with special needs that need special attention.