International
Conference on Albinism
16-18 September 2025
Lancaster University, UK
To mark 10 years of the mandate of the Independent Expert on the Rights of Persons with Albinism
Call for Papers
We invite proposals for presentations at an in-person conference on albinism to be held at Lancaster University, UK from 16-18 September 2025.
Since the establishment of the mandate of the Independent Expert on Albinism with the adoption of resolution A/HRC/RES/28/6 on 10 April 2015, the multiple, often-intersecting issues facing persons with albinism have become more visible.
These include the threats of skin cancer and climate change, barriers to inclusion in education, employment and community life, and attitudinal barriers which are shaped by misinformation and cultural beliefs.
The conference will bring together researchers in the fields of genetics, ophthalmology, dermatology and oncology, those in the arts, humanities and social sciences, albinism advocates, associations and human rights defenders, to share expertise and new research findings.
We particularly invite presentations which open new perspectives on albinism internationally.
Proposals
We welcome proposals for presentations (20 minutes), panel proposals (3 x 20 minute presentations), and round table discussions (up to 5 speakers and a chair)
Proposals may focus on, but are not limited to:
Albinism and human rights
The role of the mandate
Albinism advocacy
Social inclusion, development and well-being
Advances in genetic research
Ophthalmology and visual sciences
Dermatology, photoprotection and skin cancer
The impact of climate change
Albinism, bodies and personhood
Colourism and Intersectionality
The Contextualisation of Care
Albinism and gender
Cultural representations of albinism
Specific calls for papers are open for streams on:
Submitting a Proposal
Abstracts of 200 words for each presentation should include a title and be accompanied by a 100-word biographical note for each speaker.
Round table proposals should include a title, 200-word summary of the theme and 100-word bios for each speaker and the chair.
Proposals should be submitted to Charlotte Baker c.baker@lancaster.ac.uk with the subject line Albinism conference proposal by Wednesday 23rd April 2025.
Deadline
23rd April 2025
Keynote Speakers
Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond
Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond started her mandate as the current, and second, United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism in August 2021. She is a Senior International Human Rights Consultant who has worked in the area of human rights for over 20 years and a Visiting Fellow at Staffordshire University in the UK. Among other positions, Muluka has previously worked as the Deputy Director and Senior Programme Lawyer at the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI); the Regional Advocacy Director at the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC); and the Researcher for Portuguese and Spanish-Speaking African Countries at Amnesty International. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Venda; an LLM from the University of Pretoria, and a Master of Science (MSc) in Development Management from the Open University in the UK. In addition to English, she speaks Portuguese and some Spanish.
Xueli Abbing
Xueli Abbing is a Dutch-Chinese model, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, and founder of the Open Eyes Foundation, which promotes visibility, inclusion, and access to healthcare, education and livelihood for people with albinism and other differences. Drawing from her personal experience, she shares how discrimination and stigma affect self-worth and mental health. Her participation in events like the UNESCO Master Class and Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination highlights her commitment to awareness, collaboration, and change. Through her work, Xueli hopes to build a world where everyone is seen, valued, and given the chance to thrive.
Organizing Committee
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Professor Charlotte Baker
(Lancaster University, UK)
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Dr Elvis Imafidon
SOAS, University of London, UK)
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Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD
(Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, USA)
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Holly Key, Postgraduate Representative
(Lancaster University, UK)
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Muluka-Anne Miti Drummond
(UN Independent Expert on the Rights of Persons with Albinism)
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Professor Luis Montoliu
(CNB-CSIC, Spain)
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Professor Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham
(Trinity North Western, Canada)
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Dr Mervyn Thomas, MD
(University of Leicester, UK)
Programme
