Tokyo Albinism ConferenceFeaturing 14 experts and persons with albinism from Africa and more

Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition that occurs worldwide. In North America and Europe, 1 in 17,000~20,000 people have the condition, while the prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa is much higher; in Tanzania; for example, it is 1 in 1,400 people.

Myths and superstitions expose persons with albinism to varying degrees of discrimination, prejudice and stigmatization, ranging from teasing and bullying to being physically threatened and killed for their body parts. The problems people with the condition face are especially severe in Sub-Saharan Africa, and this will be the focus of the Tokyo Albinism Conference.

This one-day conference, organized by The Nippon Foundation in close collaboration with the United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, Ms. Ikponwosa Ero, is designed to raise awareness of the issue in Japan, generate discussion, and promote greater international collaboration to prevent the human rights abuses suffered by persons with albinism.

The program will feature an overview of the issues by Ms. Ero, followed by three panel discussions featuring representatives of organizations of persons with albinism from Sub-Saharan African countries and experts on education and legal issues. Representatives from the Japanese Albinism Network will also participate.

There will also be a performance, “Love is here to stay,” by jazz singer and the world’s first fashion model with albinism, Connie Chiu, during the conference.

In addition, a photo exhibition, “White Ebony,” by the world-reknowned, prize- winning photographer Patricia Willocq, will be open to the public throughout the week.

Please come and join our discussions to learn more about this important human rights issue in Africa.

Tokyo Albinism Conference

Organized by	The Nippon Foundation
Supported by	United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, Africa Japan Forum, Center for Human Rights Education and Training

【To attend this conference】

Please enter the link below and apply for the conference by 6 PM, November 8, or email Ms. Kyoko Itoh at：ky_ito@ps.nippon-foundation.or.jp.
URL：https://www16.nittsu.co.jp/event/contents/ev18ktnf/index.html（external site）

【Program】※English-Japanese simultaneous translation available

09:00～Opening Session	Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman, The Nippon Foundation Yasuo Yabuki, Rikkyo University, Japanese Albinism Network Ikponwosa Ero, UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
09:40～Session1	Realities: Our Experiences (Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique)
12:20～	Musical Performance “Love is here to stay” by Connie Chiu, jazz singer with albinism
13:45～Session2	Government Engagement, Legal and Other Tools (Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya)
16:15～Session3	Promoting Involvement, Building Sustainability
18:00～	Reception and Photo Exhibition “White Ebony” by Patricia Willocq