More needs to be done to protect the right to life as the world observes #InternationalAlbinismAwarenessDay2019

Today, June 13th is an important date for people with albinism everywhere. It’s International Albinism Awareness Day, when people with albinism celebrate together and raise the positive profile of this rare and widely misunderstood condition.

Whilst albinism-related stigmatization and discrimination are universal phenomena, in the African region, persons with albinism experience not just higher levels of stigmatization and discrimination, but human rights violations of a much higher magnitude, including extreme acts of violence.

People with albinism face multiple forms of discrimination worldwide. Albinism is still profoundly misunderstood, socially and medically. The physical appearance of persons with albinism is often the object of erroneous beliefs and myths influenced by superstition, which foster their marginalization and social exclusion. This leads to various forms of stigma and discrimination.

In some communities, erroneous beliefs and myths, heavily influenced by superstition, put the security and lives of persons with albinism at constant risk. These beliefs and myths are centuries old and are present in cultural attitudes and practices around the world.

The most serious human rights violations faced by persons with albinism in the African region are killings and mutilations driven by superstition and fueled by a demand for, as well as trade in, body parts. The demand and trade stem from erroneous beliefs and myths which associate albinism with the supernatural in combination with witchcraft practices that treat the body parts of persons with albinism as magical and sources of wealth, power and omens for good luck.

Young children have been particularly vulnerable to killings, mutilations and abandonment on account of their dependence and general inability to defend themselves from attacks. Other serious human rights violations, which imperil the lives and physical integrity of persons with albinism, include the rape of women and girls in the belief that it is a cure for the disease.

The human rights violations faced by persons with albinism extend far beyond violence. Fear of violence causes displacement and separation of families when, for example, young children are removed from their families and localities where they are believed to be vulnerable and placed into protective care. Societal stigma and discrimination against persons with albinism are also experienced in other socio-economic sectors, especially in the health, education and employment sectors. Marginalization and exclusion of persons with albinism in these sectors ultimately impact negatively on life chances. Cumulatively, albinism-related discrimination produces a vicious cycle of socio-economic barriers that consigns many to poor health, unemployment, and poverty

On Wednesday, 19 November 2014, the General Assembly of the UN adopted "International Albinism Awareness Day" via a historic resolution.13 June was chosen as it was on that day in 2013 that the UN adopted its first ever resolution on albinism. This day recognizes the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of albinism in order to fight against global discrimination and stigma against persons with albinism.

 "Still Standing Strong" is the theme for this year's #InternationalAlbinismAwarenessDay 2019. The theme 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. Despite all these challenges, persons with albinism remain positive and are STILL STANDING STRONG.

Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited difference present at birth. In almost all types of albinism, both parents must carry the gene for it to be passed on, even if they do not have albinism themselves. The condition is found in both sexes regardless of ethnicity and in all countries of the world. Albinism results in a lack of pigmentation (melanin) in the hair, skin and eyes, causing vulnerability to the sun and bright light. As a result, almost all people with albinism are visually impaired and are prone to developing skin cancer. There is no cure for the absence of melanin that is central to albinism.

While numbers vary, it is estimated that in North America and Europe 1 in every 17 000 to 20 000 people have some form of albinism. The condition is much more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa; with estimates of 1 in 1 400 people being affected in Tanzania and prevalence as high as 1 in 1 000 reported for select populations in Zimbabwe and for other specific ethnic groups in Southern Africa.

Finally, Albinism is widely misunderstood by society. Throughout the world, people with albinism, especially children, face bullying, mockery, prejudice, abuse, and even violence because of stereotypes based on the color of their skin. This may force them to drop out of school. The problem is compounded by widespread social rejection and marginalization, which can result in unemployment, isolation, and life-long poverty #stillstrong #iaad #iaad2019 #AlbinismDay #standupforhumanrights.