International Albinism Awareness Day 2020: Theme, History and Significance of the Day

International Albinism Awareness Day 2020: We all are the creations of God, and he made us different from one other in many ways. We are different in nature, features, and appearance. We could be brown, white, black or any other shade, but still, we all are Human Beings. On International Albinism Awareness Day 2020, let's understand what albinism is, the history, theme of this year and how we can support people with albinism.

On June 13, join the online celebration, in unanimity with people affected with albinism across the globe, use the hashtags #MadeToShine #standup4humanrights.

What is albinism?

As per National Institutes of Health Albinism is a non-communicable, rare and genetically inherited difference present at birth. Albinism is categorized by a lack of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, causing vulnerable to the exposure of the sun. Due to which many people with albinism are visually impaired and are inclined to develop skin cancer. There is no cure for the absence of melanin that is central to albinism.

International Albinism Awareness Day 2020 Theme: "Made to Shine"

This year's International Albinism Awareness Day theme is "Made to Shine". The theme was selected to celebrate the achievements and successes of persons with albinism around the world. It is a call to stand in comradeship with people with albinism through their challenges. In this exceptional time, people with albinism continue to suffer all types of human rights violations. Attacks, bullying, dehumanizing stigma, discrimination and killings continue against people with albinism. Today, we need to stand with people with albinism in their fight for a life that is free of stigma, discrimination, fear and violence—a world where they are made to shine.

International Albinism Awareness Day 2020: History

The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution in 2013 to stop discrimination against people with albinism. In 2014, on December 18, the UN General Assembly declared June 13 as International Albinism Awareness Day. The first International Albinism Awareness Day was observed in 2015.