Mercy Global Concern - 2003

U.N. DECLARED DAYS FOR MAY

3: The General Assembly in 1993 declared May 3rd as World Press Freedom Day. This action stemmed from the UNESCO General Conference, which, by a 1991 resolution on " Promotion of press freedom in the world", had recognized that a free, pluralistic and independent press was an essential component of any democratic society.

15: International Day of Families In 1993 the General Assembly decided that May 15th of every year should be observed as the International Day of Families. This annual observance reflects the importance, which the international community attaches to families as basic units of society as well as its concern regarding their situation around the world.

22: International Day for Biological Diversity

On 20th December 2000 the General Assembly proclaimed 22 May, the date of the adoption of biological diversity. This is the day the UN marks the international community's efforts to protect and sustainably use some of the earth's greatest riches - the diversity of life including genes, species and ecosystems;

25: Begins Week of Solidarity with Peoples of Non- Self Governing Territories

25: Africa Day

This day was declared through a resolution of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963

29: International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

The General Assembly on October 29th, 2002 designated May 29th as the day of UN Peacekeepers, to observed and to pay tribute to all women and men who have served and continue to serve in the UN peacekeeping operations for their courage, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.

31: World No Tobacco Day

The member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) created World No Smoking Day in 1987 to draw global attention to the global epidemic and preventable death and diseases. This yearly celebration informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of the tobacco companies, what the WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living.

To sign to the statement, please send an email to: Icoletta@canadians.org with your full name, the country you are emailing from, and the organization you represent.

For a complete list of signature, please visit: www.blueplanetproject.net/resources