International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) is celebrated annually on June 13 to campaign for the human rights, celebrate diversity; and promote inclusion of persons with albinism worldwide. The event was created Around the mid-2000s, following reports of a rising number of violent attacks on and murders of persons with albinism in Tanzania. Many reports have accused perpetrators of attributing magical powers to the bodies of persons with albinism, and thus being motivated to use them for lucky charms and occult rituals. Until 2015, perpetrators killed more than 70 victims and harmed many more. In response, the Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS) and other NGOs began campaigning for the human rights of persons with albinism. TAS celebrated the first Albino Day on May 4, 2006. It became National Albino Day from 2009 onwards and was eventually called National Albinism Day.
The Canadian NGO Under the Same Sun (UTSS) joined late Ambassador of the Mission of Somalia to the United Nations (UN), Yusuf Mohamed Ismail Bari-Bari, in his effort to pass a resolution promoting and protecting the rights of persons with albinism. The Human Rights Council recommended June 13 to be proclaimed as International Albinism Awareness Day by the United Nations’ General Assembly, with effect from 2015. The theme varies from year to year, past themes have included Advancing with renewed hope, Shining our light to the world, Still standing strong, Strength beyond all odds, United in making our voice heard, and Inclusion is Strength.
Whizzbang1698 