UN Days December
Individuals and groups can help to make UN Days much more effective through meditation and prayer. On this site there is a meditation in support of the UN Days and information on ways to participate in the UN Days & Years Meditation Initiative
Here you will find information on the UN designated Days during December 2007. Information provided includes some background, links to the UN site on the Day (where such a site exists), together with key thoughts for reflection.
1 December
WORLD AIDS DAY
Year 2007 Theme: Leadership
Every year since 1988 World Aids Day has been observed by the United Nations on December 1st.
The greatest single assault on humankind that we've ever known, greater than war and greater than the Black Death. That is how Former UN Special Envoy to Africa, Stephen Lewis, summed up the alarming rate at which HIV is spreading throughout the world. In some countries of sub-Saharan Africa the virus affects as many as 39% of adults.
On World AIDS Day there is a real need for ‘healers of the world’ to unite. Imagine the healing energy that could be released through a day of coordinated inner work. Imagine how this would enhance and empower all of the outer efforts in AIDS education and research in complementary and orthodox therapies that are focussed around this special Day.
Why Leadership
Since the beginning of the epidemic, experience has clearly demonstrated that significant advances in the response to HIV have been achieved when there is strong and committed leadership. Leaders are distinguished by their action, innovation and vision; their personal example and engagement of others; and their perseverance in the face of obstacles and challenges. However, leaders are often not those in the highest offices. Leadership must be demonstrated at every level to get ahead of the disease - in families, in communities, in countries and internationally. Much of the best leadership on AIDS has been demonstrated within civil society organisations challenging the status quo. Making leadership the theme of the next two World AIDS Days will help encourage leadership on AIDS within all levels and sectors of society. We hope it will inspire and foster champions within a range of different groups and networks at local and international levels. - World AIDS Campaign
Visit the World Aids Day pages and the UNAIDS web site.
Key thought for reflection:
In the 25 years since the first case was reported, AIDS has changed the world. It has killed 25 million people, and infected 40 million more. It has inflicted the single greatest reversal in the history of human development. In other words, it has become the greatest challenge of our generation.
For far too long, the world was in denial. But over the past 10 years, attitudes have changed. The world has started to take the fight against AIDS as seriously as it deserves.
Kofi Annan
2 December
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is held on December 2nd to mark the anniversary of the adoption in 1949 of the UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of Others.
Slavery was, in a very real sense, the first international human rights issue to come to the fore. It led to the adoption of the first human rights laws and to the creation of the first human rights non-governmental organization. And yet despite the efforts of the international community to combat this abhorrent practice, it is still widely prevalent in all its insidious forms, old and new. The list is painfully long and includes traditional chattel slavery; bonded labour; serfdom; and forced labour, including of children, women and migrants, and often for the purpose of sexual exploitation, domestic servitude and ritualistic and religious reasons....
Human beings are not property. On the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, let us reaffirm the inherent dignity of all men, women and children. And let us redouble our efforts so that the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — “no one shall be held in slavery or servitude” — ring true.
Kofi Annan
Anti-Slavery International (ASI) is actively working today for the freedom of millions of people worldwide trapped in slavery or slavery-like practices. For further information visit the ASI web site. See also the excellent Free the Slaves movement web site and the Slavery Day page at the Dag Hammarskjold Library.
Key thought for reflection:
Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Article 4: No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
3 December
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DISABLED PERSONS
Year 2007 Theme: Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities
International Day of Disabled Persons has been observed by the United Nations on December 3rd since 1992. The date marks the anniversary of the General Assembly's adoption of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons. "The International Day of Disabled Persons provides an opportunity for governments, organizations of disabled persons and all in society to focus on the freedoms and potentials of persons with disabilities."
For further information visit the United Nations Persons with Disabilities web site for the Day; also the UN Dag Hammarskjold Library page on the Day.
Key thought for reflection:
The need to be seen as a unique human being is strong in all of us. But [people] with disabilities are often not given a chance to make themselves known as the unique human beings they are: the moment their disability is spotted ... they are boxed and labeled according to the prejudices of the viewer.
Anuradha Vittachi
5 December
INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
In 1985 the UN General Assembly designated that December 5th be observed with an annual celebration by communities, peoples and governments of all that is achieved around the world by volunteers.
When you think of it, it's gestures of goodwill, help and encouragement which really 'make the world go round'. When so much news is sad or bad, this good news is well worth celebrating. Help for one's neighbour is part of the tradition of every society and civilization. It brings out the very best in men and women and generates some inspirational experiences. Nor has the need for such assistance diminished with progress. On the contrary, a sense of community, participation, solidarity and caring is more vital than ever before. International Volunteer Day is for volunteers of every kind, everywhere. Whether you offer your talents to improve facilities where you live, your donations to a charity, your friendship and counsel to those ill or despairing, or your time for technical cooperation in developing countries, IVD is for you.
Visit the United Nations Volunteers and World Volunteer Web sites for more information, and check out the World Volunteer site on the Day.
Key thought for reflection:
Selfless workers ... set the pace for others. Have faith in the goodness of human beings and tap them at the right point. They will respond.
Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne
7 December
INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION DAY
In 1996 the UN General Assembly proclaimed December 7th as International Civil Aviation Day to highlight and advance the benefits of civil aviation. The Convention on International Civil Aviation was signed on December 5th, 1944. It established the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) - now a specialised agency of the United Nations - as the regulatory body to oversee safety and efficiency in world-wide air travel.
Visit the ICAO website on the Day.
Key thought for reflection:
The year 2000 bridges two extraordinary periods in the history of mankind: the second millennium with its astounding discoveries and the third millennium with its unbounded possibilities.
The evolution of air travel captures well this visceral drive to continually expand our horizons. It also points the way to achieving our greatest dreams.
Leonardo da Vinci's sketches of birds in flight, the hot air balloon of the Montgolfier brothers, the daring exploits of Otto Lilienthal in his glider and the first powered flight of the Wright brothers illustrate the formidable imaginative capacity of the individual. The jet aircraft and modern, satellite-based air navigation systems testify to the creative power of collective effort.
At the crossroads of two centuries, we are beginning to understand the forces that are shaping our future. Fundamentally, everything is becoming interconnected. Issues are global, whether economic, social, humanitarian or environmental.
The Convention on International Civil Aviation of 1944 remains a sound flight plan for the future of air transport. The words of its inspiring preamble can guide us in other human endeavours:
"... to promote that cooperation between nations and peoples upon which the peace of the world depends ... to create and preserve friendship and understanding ..."
This is a call to humanize the globalization process we have embarked upon, to allow for worldly pursuits while caring for humans and the planet that supports us.
Dr. Assad Kotaite
10 December
HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
10 December marks the date over fifty years ago when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed, with its vision of a world in which all might enjoy rights and freedoms without discrimination. The Declaration is a deeply spiritual document. Much of the history of the past fifty years has been shaped by the struggle to bring this vision to birth in communities and nations the world-over.
Human Rights Day is observed as a Day to celebrate how much has been achieved in building right relationships, and to reflect on how much remains to be done. As Mary Robinson, former UN High-Commissioner for Human Rights, has said: We now have in hand the tools with which to work together for the complete elimination of racism, racial discrimination and intolerance. Let us use them.
Visit the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights web site, the UN Dag Hammarskjold Library page on the Day, and check out the UN site for the Day in 2006.
Key thought for reflection:
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article 1, Universal Declaration of Human Rights
11 December
INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN DAY
International Mountain Day was first observed by the United Nations in 2003, and was a result of the global focus on mountains that emerged during the International Year of Mountains in 2002. The Day seeks to foster recognition of the vital role that mountains play in our lives, and the responsibility to protect mountain environments.
Mountain Partnership, the International Partnership for Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions, has been created. As of July 2004, the Partnership included 40 governments, 14 intergovernmental agencies, and 47 major people's groups.
Visit the International Mountain Day web site.
Key thought for reflection:
Asia's most sacred mountain stands in a remote corner of Western Tibet, isolated by rugged terrain from all but a handful of outsiders. Its name is Mount Kailas, its reputation near-legendary. To pilgrims of four religions this 22,028-foot rock pyramid is the throne of the gods and the 'Navel of the Earth', a place where the divine takes earthly form. For well over a thousand years, pilgrims have journeyed here to pay homage to the mountain's mystery, circumambulating it in an ancient ritual of devotion that continues to this day.
Russell Johnson & Kerry Moran, The Sacred Mountain of Tibet, p. 9
18 December
INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY
International Migrants Day celebrates the the rich diversity of cultures and peoples making up the one human family. In the twenty-first century growing numbers are leaving their lands of birth to live in different countries. Two percent of the world's population, over 150 million people, live outside of their homelands.
In Kofi Annan's words, the Day recognizes the huge, but often unseen, contribution that millions of migrants make to the economies, societies and cultural advancement of countries throughout the world. It is also an opportunity to identify the challenges migration presents for the future.
Migrants contribute greatly to the sense of cultural diversity in modern societies, and to our appreciation of the oneness of the human spirit. They give us the experience of living in a global neighbourhood.
Yet the experience of diversity brings challenges. Kofi Annan:
The fate of many migrants lies in stark contrast to the aspirations reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, human rights norms and labour conventions. They tend to be paid low wages, receive few or no benefits, and work without even minimal safety and health protection. They are often subject to discrimination and marginalization. Furthermore, unauthorized migration exposes migrants to shocking levels of abuse and exploitation. The scourge of trafficking, in particular, has placed many in horrific situations - especially women and children.
International Migrants Day is held on December 18 because it was on this date in 1990 that the UN adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. The Day was first observed in 2000.
Read Kofi Annan's statement on the Day in 2006, and for the latest information on action around the world in support of the Day, visit the December 18 site. See also the UN Dag Hammarskjold Library page on the Day.
Key thought for reflection:
Migrants not only help enrich the fabric of their host countries. Many of them are also unsung heroes of their home countries and families. In addition to sending valuable remittances, they bring valuable skills, knowledge and experience when they return.
Kofi Annan
19 December
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR SOUTH - SOUTH COOPERATION
This day draws attention to the growing bonds of co-operation emerging between countries of the South – developing countries. Recent developments in South-South cooperation have taken the form of increased volumes of South-South trade, movements toward regional integration, South-South flows of foreign direct investment and various forms of development assistance.
Further information - also see UN Dag Hammarskjold Library .
20 December
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN SOLIDARITY DAY
Convinced that the promotion of the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing was important for combating poverty, the General Assembly, in 2005, proclaimed 20 December as International Human Solidarity Day.
In the Millennium Declaration world leaders identified Solidarity as one of the fundamental values essential to international relations in the twenty-first century and emphasized that “Global challenges must be managed in a way that distributes the costs and burdens fairly in accordance with basic principles of equity and social justice. Those who suffer or who benefit least deserve help from those who benefit most.” In the context of globalization and the challenge of growing inequality, the strengthening of international solidarity and cooperation is indispensable for the realization of the Millennium Development Goals.
Key thought for reflection:
To recognize the social solidarity of the human family brings with it the responsibility to build on what makes us one. This means promoting effectively and without exception the equal dignity of all as human beings endowed with certain fundamental and inalienable human rights. This touches all aspects of our individual life, as well as our life in the family, in the community in which we live, an in the world. Once we truly grasp that we are brothers and sisters in a common humanity, then we can shape our attitudes towards life in the light of the solidarity which makes us one. This is especially true in all that relates to the basic universal project: peace.
John Paul II
