Amplify the voices and visibility of persons with albinism in all areas of life.



Persons with albinism

On June 13th, The celebration of the International Albinism Awareness Day seeks to amplify the voices and visibility of persons with albinism in all areas of life.

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Marking the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the mandate on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.

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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. 10th anniversary of the mandate  REPORT .
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What is albinism?

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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 ...
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The lack of melanin means persons with albinism are highly vulnerable to developing skin cancer. In some countries, a majority of persons with albinism die from skin cancer between 30 and 40 years of age. Skin cancer is highly preventable when persons with albinism enjoy their right to health . This includes access to regular health checks, sunscreen, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing . In a significant number of countries, these life-saving means are unavailable or inaccessible to them. Consequently, in the realm of development measures, persons with albinism have been and are among those “left furthest behind.” Therefore, they ought to be targeted for human rights interventions in the manner envisioned by the Sustainable Development Goals . Due to a lack of melanin in the skin and eyes, persons with albinism often have permanent visual impairment. They also face discrimination due to their skin colour ; as such, they are often subject to multiple and intersecting discrimina...
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