13th June has been decreed as International Albinism Awareness Day by The United Nations in an effort to stop the brutality, especially in many African countries, against people with this genetic condition which results in little of no pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes, who often fear for their lives and experience severe discrimination and bullying.  

There are many local myths appertaining to albinos

Some believe their body parts bring good luck and prosperity another that they are evil spirits and must be destroyed.  

For more information there is an independent documentary called “In the Shadow of the Sun” Directed by Harry Freeland which tells the story of Josephat Torner from Tanzania. There are also several other films have been very powerful tools in the fight against people with this problem being persecuted.  

International Albinism Awareness Day was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 18, 2014. The resolution “encourages UN Member States to continue their efforts to protect and preserve the rights of persons with albinism to life, dignity and security, as well as their right not to be subject to torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and to continue their efforts to ensure equal access for persons with albinism to employment, education, justice and the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health.”