International Albinism Awareness Day Date in the current year: June 13, 2024

Albinism is a congenital disorder characterized by the partial or complete absence of the pigment melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes. Lack or absence of melanin in the skin makes albinos more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancers. Albinism is also associated with visual problems, namely photophobia, amblyopia (lazy eye), nystagmus and others.

People with albinism frequently face social challenges, as their condition is often a source of discrimination, ridicule, and sometimes even fear and related violence. For instance, in some African countries such and Burundi in Tanzania, many people with albinism have become murder victims during in recent years.

International Albinism Awareness Day focuses on raising public awareness of albinism and preventing attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism. All UN member states and organizations, as well as international and local organizations and civil society are encouraged to hold and participate in appropriate events and activities.