The UN General Assembly proclaimed 10 December as Human Rights Day in 1950, to bring to the attention ‘of the peoples of the world’ the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. "As we continue to strive towards a world that acknowledges the rights of all human beings, the Vienna Declaration and Plan of Action, adopted at the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna in 1993, still sets the agenda for much of our work. The … [Read more...]
Voices of Our Future 2013 Program is coming to an end!
The 2013 Voices of Our Future Program has come to a close, but our journey together to empower and lift one another's voices continues. Over the past six months, 31 courageous grassroots women have made the journey of a lifetime to become empowered leaders and loudspeakers for their communities. They have been emboldened by the powerful connections they have made with one another and with our amazing Editorial and Vision Mentors. The commitment and dedication that we have witnessed is a … [Read more...]
Millennium Development Goals, for people of all ‘abilities’
Opening the door for people of all abilities The global community took a giant step forward during the High-level Meeting on Disability and Development in September to break down barriers for the more than 1 billion persons living with some form of disability. With a historic outcome document adopted, this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, aims to kick-off an action-filled course towards an inclusive society, embracing all human beings. 'About 15 … [Read more...]
‘One Life – One Heart’, International Volunteer Day (Dec 5)
International Volunteer Day (IVD)- (December 5) is an international observance designated by the United Nations since 1985. It offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make visible their contributions - at local, national and international levels - to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The International Volunteer Day is marked by many non-governmental organizations, including Red Cross, scouts and others. It is also marked and … [Read more...]
WORLD AIDS DAY celebrated DEC 1 in UK!
1 December 2013 is World AIDS Day and is the day that promotes talking about HIV and attempts to spread information about the disease. By talking about HIV it is hoped that the secrecy surrounding it is eradicated. Greater understanding about HIV and AIDS means less prejudice and better prevention. HIV is a disease that attacks the body's immune system and affects the ability to fight infection and disease. AIDS develops when the immune system can no longer fight infections that can … [Read more...]
‘A silent majority of men disapproves of violence’, Radwan Chowdhury
“What are Ordinary Men Willing to Do to End Violence Against Women & Girls?” Most men do not use violence against women, and most believe such violence to be unacceptable. A silent majority of men disapproves of violence, but does little to prevent it. Of most concern, significant numbers of men excuse or justify violence against women. The silence, and encouragement, of male bystanders allows men’s violence against women to continue. Violence against women and girls is a … [Read more...]
Universal Children’s Day celebrated Nov 20
On Universal Children’s Day, UN says violence against young hobbles development 20 November 2013 – Drawing a direct link between violence against children and poverty, United Nations officials marked Universal Children’s Day with a call to make child protection a priority in the global development agenda for the decades to come. “Violence against children does more than harm individual children, it undermines the fabric of society, affecting productivity, well-being, and prosperity,” UN … [Read more...]
‘Gender Marker’ – Is Bettering Women’s Life Impossible?
London - At a conference on violence against women and girls in emergencies, a CARE International UK special report it has been revealed the tiny proportion of international aid that is directed towards projects that target gender violence and sexual exploitation of women in humanitarian crises. The report also shows the inadequacies of global efforts to track how effectively humanitarian projects address gender. (pdf Document - CLICK IMAGE) In 2010, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon set a … [Read more...]
Call to Action: UN Women pledges to protect Women and Girls
Call to Action: Executive Director pledges UN Women commitment to protect women and girls in emergencies Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka pledged the strong commitment of UN Women to protect women and girls in emergencies at an international meeting on 13 November in London. At the Call to Action event, “Keep Her Safe”, organized by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), she pledged that UN Women would work with partners to ensure that women’s rights and needs are … [Read more...]