International Albinism Awareness Day 2025: What is albinism? Know the day's theme, history, and significance
International Albinism Awareness Day 2025: Every year on June 13, International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD), a global UN observation, is commemorated to promote the human rights of people with albinism.
According to the United Nations, albinism affects up to one in every 5,000 individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa and one in every 20,000 people in Europe and North America.
This medical condition has been linked to a high level of presumptions, with individuals affected by albinism enduring disability-based discrimination, stigma, and honour killings due to a lack of awareness regarding the condition.
This is why the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 18, 2014, declared International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD), and the first observance was held on June 13, 2015.
By adopting this resolution, the UN Human Rights Council reaffirmed its commitment to combating violence and discrimination against people with albinism, and this day serves as a reminder of both the perils of the past and the path ahead.
This year's observance will mark its 10th anniversary and be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, with the theme 'Demanding our rights: Protecting our skin, Preserving our lives,' highlighting the need to raise awareness about albinism and prevent skin cancer in people with albinism through awareness, screenings, and sunscreen access.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the @UN_SPExperts mandate on the enjoyment of #HumanRights by persons with albinism, my overview of the progress made and path ahead to tackle persisting challenges. https://t.co/OVzJNAt6nh
— UN Independent Expert on Albinism (@UnAlbinism) May 21, 2025
Albinism is a relatively rare, non-contagious genetic disorder passed down from both parents at birth that affects people of all ethnicities and genders worldwide. It is caused by a prevalent absence of melanin pigment in the hair, skin, and eyes, making those affected vulnerable to sun exposure, which can lead to skin cancer and significant vision impairment.
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