Debunking Myths of Albinism

“Albinism is a genetic condition inherited from both parents that occurs worldwide, regardless of ethnicity or gender.”  (See: “Meet the Champions of the Albinism Cause.”)

Witchcraft and brutal killings, including of children, have been witnessed in the past six months primarily in East African countries – Tanzania, Malawi, and Burundi that have drawn the attention and condemnation of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).  (See: “East African Albino Children Viciously Attacked & Targeted.”)

A new website http://albinism.ohchr.org/ was launched on May 5 by the OHCHR as an educational tool to remedy the misconceptions and myths of this rare condition.  The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that one in 5,000 to 1/15,000 in Sub-Saharan Africa are affected. Neutral colors on the website have been scientifically chosen for accessibility for albinos as vivid colors online present limitations for them. The website tells the daily story of 12 people that span careers ranging from actors, activists, musicians, athletes and their trials and victories in daily life.

For more information, visit  “Not Ghosts but Human Beings – UN Rights Office Launches Website on Albinism”)  and the new OHCHR website.

 

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