UN Holidays - International Albinism Awareness Day

Albinism is a fairly rare genetic disease that is associated with the absence of a certain pigment (melanin) in the skin People with this mutation have unnaturally white skin, snowy hair, and light-colored, soulful eyes At all times, albinos have had many problems in society Due to their special appearance, they attracted increased attention from others, causing surprise, misunderstanding and even fear The lack of melanin in the body is a hereditary problem If parents are carriers of a defective gene, their children risk being born with obvious external signs of the disease At the same time, the parents themselves can be completely healthy people, without visual physical abnormalities A dangerous gene, having traveled through generations, manifests itself in a newborn baby Neither gender nor racial characteristics can affect the manifestation of the disease In different parts of the planet, all nationalities have albino people The problem is the polar opposite attitude For example, in Europe, such mutations are perceived with increased interest and the desire of society to provide normal living conditions for all its representatives, regardless of skin color, eyes or oxen Third world countries (especially the African continent) still cannot accept the problem in a civilized manner No matter how crazy it may sound, even today there are precedents for cruel treatment of albinos Some peoples have long believed that such people are ghosts who carry a hidden threat, while others consider their illness to be a gift and deliberately mutilate the unfortunate in order to take over parts of their body for magical rites and rituals The desire to protect special people with a rare disease led the UN General Assembly to proclaim a resolution in 2014 to establish International Albinism Awareness Day The holiday has been celebrated annually around the world since 2015 Thematic conferences and seminars are traditionally held Charitable foundations organize fundraising Discrimination that is outrageous and unforgivable in the modern world requires special attention A genetic disease is incorrectly and illiterately perceived in society, all sorts of myths circulate about it, and the lack of medical justification causes additional rumors Superstitions lead to ridicule, psychological pressure, bullying and physical violence For albinos, life becomes an unbearable ordeal in complete social isolation The purpose of the holiday is to attract public attention to the problems of albinism around the world The challenge for all states is to care for and provide a decent life for people who are at risk An important aspect is effective educational activities in terms of providing and widely disseminating reliable medical information about the nature of the disease and its safety for others Society must clearly understand that people with melanin deficiency are equal members of society, having a full set of rights and freedoms, opportunities for self-realization without any oppression The General Assembly resolution emphasizes the need for an adequate attitude towards such a mysterious disease According to the UN, in recent years, more than 600 cases of ill-treatment of representatives of physical abnormalities have been recorded Precedents were identified in 30 countries around the world Among the victims are many children who have not reached the age of five There have been cases of fatal attacks Monstrous statistics make us think about dangerous, long-outdated superstitions, and calls for tolerance and respect The UN Human Rights Council decided to classify people with albinism as a separate group with specific needs On June 13, they have the opportunity to announce their troubles to the whole world The resolution calls on state governments, civil and religious organizations, and the international community to eradicate any manifestations of aggression and make maximum collective efforts to protect the rights of albinos Such deviations are not an obstacle to a long and wonderful life It is necessary to provide a favorable social atmosphere, show concern and understanding for other people's problems