UW Center for Global Studies welcomes Albinism Rights Advocate I.K. Ero to University of Washington Campus for Public Lecture (February 7, 2024)

The Center for Global Studies was pleased to welcome albinism human rights advocate Ikponwosa (I.K.) Ero to the University of Washington on February 7 for a public lecture titled “Human Rights in Practice: An overview of the journey to protect people with albinism in Africa and globally.” The event, which took place in the UW Husky Union Building, was well attended by students and faculty from the UW community, including the Jackson School of International Studies, Disability Studies, and Law, Societies & Justice. 

Ms. Ero is a lawyer by training and the first United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism. Her presentation had a focus on the legal frameworks that impact the systemic discrimination those with albinism face. Born in Nigeria with albinism, Ms. Ero was inspired to become a lifelong advocate for the protection and governmental recognition of all peoples born with albinism. Her experiences and impact span across multiple continents over more than a decade of policy research and advocacy. She has worked with several government agencies and organizations to further the rights of persons with albinism, and has helped spearhead more than twenty international human rights resolutions at both the United Nations and the African Union. Currently, Ms. Ero serves as Director of Human Rights Advocacy at Under the Same Sun and is the Executive Director of the Africa Albinism Network. 

After her presentation, Ms. Ero met with students from the Jackson School Student Association and the First Generation Pre-Law Leaders student organization, who co-organized the event, to discuss careers in human rights advocacy. She also spoke with a student reporter from the Jackson School Journal, and their interview is available to read in the journal’s Spring 2024 issue here.