Basic Information about IAAD
International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) is an annual event observed on 13 June with an aim to avoid discrimination and violation of human rights against people with albinism.
Observed on: June 13
Organized by: UN, UNESCO
Introduced in: 2014 (UN Resolution) 2015 (First Observation)
Observed: Worldwide
About International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD)
Albinism is global phenomenon that occurs in people around the world. Albinism is the absence or reduced pigment in one’s eyes, skin or hairs. This is as a result of the absence of a pigment called melanin. Even though they don’t have any problem with general health, due to socio-cultural myths and negative beliefs in societies, discrimination prevails in society. In many countries it believes that the disease is due to punishment from god. So, family members of albinos are also facing discrimination from their society.
United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution in 2013 calling for the prevention of attacks against persons with albinism. On 18th December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopt a resolution which proclaims 13th June as International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) starting from 2015.
Aim of observing IAAD is to avoid discrimination and violation of human rights against people with albinism. It is important as there is huge discrimination to people suffer with albinism. The degree of this discrimination is different in countries based on the myths and misconceptions among people, but there exists discrimination everywhere.
Activities and Programs on IAAD
Many events and programs are organized around the world to observe this day. The main aim of the events and programs is to remove discrimination to the albinos. Educating society about albinism, scientific explanations, are some programs on this day.
Many workshops, paper presentations, musical programs, albinism walk, meeting of albinism affected people, social media campaigns are conducted on this day. Hashtag using for social media campaigns is #NotGhosts.
Albinism walk is conducting in which people participate to show support to albinism affected people. Common public, celebrities and leaders are participating in the walk with albinism affected people.
UNESCO is also organizing events to show the scientific reason of albinism to spread awareness and avoid discrimination.
Theme for International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD)
International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) 2020 Theme is “Made to Shine“
International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) 2019 Theme was “Still Standing Strong“
IAAD 2018 Theme was “Shining our light to the world“