Sign This Petition for an "International Day for ALBINISM Awareness"

The Issue

Albinism is a defect of melanin production that results in little or no color (pigment) in the skin, hair, and eyes.  Albinism occurs in 1 in 17,000 people in the world.

Many people do not understand the origin of the genetic condition that causes a complete or partial lack of production of melanin (the pigment that gives us our color) in those who have it. Therefore, regardless of race, persons with albinism have often pale white skin, light eyes, and blond hair.

 Due to ignorance about the cause of their unique appearance, people with albinism are often teased, bullied, or murdered in certain parts of the world, like Africa and Asia. In addition, they have extremely high risks of contracting skin cancer because of their low levels of pigmentation..

We think it is important to have a day to raise awareness about albinism and the importance of understanding  and celebrating people with the condition.

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Salif KEITAPetition Starter The descendant of warrior princes, the son of two black African parents, Afro-pop pioneer Salif Keita was born “white.” Inheriting albinism, a lack of skin pigmentation, Keita instantly stood out among other Africans and stood out as a spokesperson for tolerance in all forms. The distinction is often interpreted as an ill omen in his native Mali, and invited a life of ridicule, making Keita an outcast in his own community. Society perpetuates harmful beliefs about albinos, and they are often shunned, ridiculed, and even killed for superstitious purposes.
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This petition had 311 supporters

The Issue

Albinism is a defect of melanin production that results in little or no color (pigment) in the skin, hair, and eyes.  Albinism occurs in 1 in 17,000 people in the world.

Many people do not understand the origin of the genetic condition that causes a complete or partial lack of production of melanin (the pigment that gives us our color) in those who have it. Therefore, regardless of race, persons with albinism have often pale white skin, light eyes, and blond hair.

 Due to ignorance about the cause of their unique appearance, people with albinism are often teased, bullied, or murdered in certain parts of the world, like Africa and Asia. In addition, they have extremely high risks of contracting skin cancer because of their low levels of pigmentation..

We think it is important to have a day to raise awareness about albinism and the importance of understanding  and celebrating people with the condition.

avatar of the starter
Salif KEITAPetition Starter The descendant of warrior princes, the son of two black African parents, Afro-pop pioneer Salif Keita was born “white.” Inheriting albinism, a lack of skin pigmentation, Keita instantly stood out among other Africans and stood out as a spokesperson for tolerance in all forms. The distinction is often interpreted as an ill omen in his native Mali, and invited a life of ridicule, making Keita an outcast in his own community. Society perpetuates harmful beliefs about albinos, and they are often shunned, ridiculed, and even killed for superstitious purposes.
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

US Government, US CONGRESS, United Nations
US Government, US CONGRESS, United Nations
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Petition created on October 24, 2011