“Human Rights in Practice: An overview of the journey to protect people with albinism in Africa and globally” Talk with Ikponwosa Ero

February 7 at 2:30 PM in HUB 340

The Center for Global Studies is pleased to welcome albinism human rights advocate Ikponwosa 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 talk will take place in Husky Union Building (HUB) 340 starting at 2:30 PM. 

Ms. Ero is a lawyer by training and the first United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism. 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, having worked with several government agencies and organizations to further the rights of persons with albinism, and being a leader in more than twenty international human rights resolutions at both the United Nations and the African Union. She has also authored several articles that examine the legal frameworks in the field of albinism as well as categorization of those with albinism in the context of international human rights.

Ms. Ero has been a principal architect in establishing historic social equality advocacy initiatives including African Union Plan of Action on Albinism in Africa (2021-2031) and the Pan African Parliament’s Guidelines on the elimination of Harmful Practices for ending accusations of witchcraft and risk of spiritual persecution. Alongside the late Ambassador Yusuf Mohamed Ismail “Bari-Bari,” Ms. Ero was also a leader in establishing the globally-recognized International Albinism Awareness Day. 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.

The University of Washington is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. We will have CART captioning and ASL interpretation for this event. The venue is mobility-aid accessible. To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Services Office, preferably at least 10 days in advance, at: 206.543.6450 (voice), 206.543.6452 (TTY), 206.685.7264 (fax), or email at dso@uw.edu.