The United Nations Human Rights Council
2013
In response to advocacy led by Under the Same Sun, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution in 2013 (A/HRC/RES/23/13) calling for the prevention of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism.
On 5 November 2013, the African Commission adopted Resolution 263 on the prevention of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism. Among other things, this resolution requires member states to include in their reports to the African Commission, information on the situation of persons with albinism, including good practices in protecting and promoting their human rights.
International Albinism Awareness Day
2014
On 18 December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming, with effect from 2015, 13 June as International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD).
The Mandate of the Independent Expert
2015
In response to the call from civil society organizations advocating to consider persons with albinism as a specific group with particular needs that require special attention, the Human Rights Council created the mandate of the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism. In June 2015, the Human Rights Council appointed Ms. Ikponwosa Ero as the first Independent Expert (“UNIE”) on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.
The First Pan African Albinism Conference
2015
The first ever Pan African Albinism Conference was held in Dar es Salaam from November 19– 22, 2015 and marked an unprecedented moment in bringing together major stakeholders to discuss and empower advocacy and protection measures for people with albinism. The conference was hosted by Under the Same Sun (UTSS), and was attended by over 200 delegates including representatives from albinism communities of 29 African nations and 9 non-African nations.
The Regional Action Plan on Albinism
2017
The Regional Action Plan on Albinism (2017-2021) was developed by organizations of persons with albinism in Africa, select government entities in the region, as well as other human rights entities under the leadership of the United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism. It was endorsed by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Pan-African Parliament in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
Africa Disability Protocol mentions Persons with Albinism
2018
The African Union in 2018 adopted a Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa. The Disability Protocol refers to persons with albinism in its Preamble and includes several provisions on harmful practices which impact persons with albinism in the region.
The Global Albinism Alliance
2020
From January 26 to 28, civil society groups representing people with albinism from six continents gathered in Paris to lay the foundation for an international coalition to combat the attacks, stigmatization, and discrimination people with albinism. They formed the Global Albinism Alliance.
Plan to End Attacks Other Human Rights Violations Targeting Persons with Albinism in Africa
2021
In July 2019, during its thirty-fifth ordinary session, the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) decided to adopt a Plan to End Attacks Other Human Rights Violations Targeting Persons with Albinism in Africa (Plan of Action 2021-2031) making it a continent-wide strategy.
Inaugurated in February 2021 by the former UN Independent Expert, Ms. Ikponwosa Ero, Africa Albinism Network is a consortium of non-governmental organizations working to promote the welfare of persons with albinism and their family members.