Mercy Global Concern - 2003

UN Declared Days for December

December

December 1: World Aids Day

The General Assembly in 1988 stated its deep concern about the pandemic acquired immune deficiency (AIDS). Noting that the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared 1 December World Aids Day, the assembly stressed the importance of observing that occasion. Today over 41 million people are living with HIV/AIDS.
Mercy Global Concern has been involved with the UN in advocating greater access to medication and treatment, especially in Africa. The theme of this year's campaign is "Live and let live" focusing on the stigma and discrimination HIV/AIDS suffers experience. Check out this year's website on www.unaids.org

December 2: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery recalls the date of its adoption by the General Assembly, for the suppression of the Traffic in Persons.
Study and share the fact sheet on contemporary forms of slavery, especially trafficking of persons.

December 3: International Day of Disabled Persons

In 1992 at the conclusion of the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons ( 1983- 1992) the GA proclaimed December 3 as the International Day of Disabled Persons. The decade had been a period of raising awareness and enacting measures to improve the situation of persons with disabilities and to provide them with equal opportunities. The Assembly appealed to member states to highlight the day in an effort to further integrate people with disabilities into society.

Mercy Global Concern is submitting an intervention paper at the
upcoming Commission on Social Development to highlight this
issue. For more information on the day check the website: www.un.org/partners/civil_society/m-disabl.htm

December 5: International Day for Economic and Social Development.

The United Nations has invited governments to observe annually on December 5, 5

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, urging them to heighten awareness of the contribution of volunteer service, thereby stimulating more people in all walks of life to offer services as volunteers, both at home and abroad. www.un.org/partners/civil_society/m-volunt.htm

December 7: International Civil aviation Day

This day highlights the benefits of international aviation. Check out the website on www.icao.org/and celebrate international cooperation in this area.

December 10: International Human Rights Day.

Poverty, Conflicts, Terrorism, Violence, Prejudice
and Bad Governance grossly violate Human rights

Human Rights Day Message of Bertrand Ramcharan
Acting United Nations high Commissioner for Human Rights

Read Full Article...

La Pobreza, Los Conflictos, El Terrorismo, La Violencia, Los Prejuicios y La Mala Gestion De Los Asuntos Publicos Violan Manifiestamente Los Derenchos Humanos

Mensaje De Bertrand Ramcharan, Alto Comisionado De Las Naciones Unidas Para Los Derechos Humano en Funciones, en El Dia De Los Derechos Humanos

Espanol

All states and interested organizations were asked by the General Assembly to observe December 10 as Human Rights Day. Help pass the Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act 2003 in the UN Congress. For background information and a sample letter visit Amnesty International http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/action/index.asp?ms=H2

Include in your liturgies/prayer services, prayers for the protection of human rights.
Check out the UN website for info relating to UN activities www.un.org/partners/civil_society/m-hr.htm

December 11: International Mountains Day.A

The GA has designated December 11, from 2003 onwards as "International Mountain Day" in recognition of the crucial role that mountains play in our lives. The decision to celebrate mountains on a special day each year results in the tremendous success of the UN International Year of Mountains in 2002, which increased global awareness of the importance of mountains, stimulated the establishment of national committees in 78 countries, and strengthened alliances through the creation of the Mountain Partnership.
For more information check out www.mountains 2002.org/partnership/phtml

December 18: International Migrants Day.

As recommended by the Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly has proclaimed December 18 International Migrants Day. On that day, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families was adopted in 1990. The Assembly stressed the need to make further efforts to ensure respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants. It is estimated that some 130 million people live outside their country of origin. Check the websites: www.Unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/m_mwctoc.htm for the text of the convention as well as your country's' ratification status and make your concerns known to your elected officials.

Deirdre Mullan rsm
MGC
New York