Today the United Nations and the broader humanitarian
community observed World Humanitarian Day in a ceremony at the UN compound. Hon.
Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development, attended on behalf of the
Government and thanked the community for the support provided to Sri Lankans in
need.
World Humanitarian Day was designated by the
General Assembly in December 2008 ‘to remember the millions of people globally affected
by natural disasters, war, sickness and malnutrition and those working to
relieve their suffering’.
This year’s theme ‘We are humanitarian
workers’ draws attention to the diversity of aid workers around the world and
the humanitarian principles that frame the work done on behalf of those
affected.‘It is
important to improve awareness of and respect for the principles of
humanitarian work, including humanity, impartiality, neutrality and
independence’, said Mr.
Neil Buhne, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.
Similar to other countries affected by
natural disaster and conflict, Sri Lanka has faced many hardships. Over 35,000
lives were lost, while homes, livelihoods and infrastructure were devastated in
the December 2004 tsunami. Additionally every year, thousands of Sri Lankans
are affected by flooding caused by heavy monsoonal rains.
This year, Sri Lanka observes World
Humanitarian Day with hope and expectation for a peaceful future. ‘We hope to
reach a common final target where we all live in peace,’ noted Hon. Minister
Rajapaksa in his address to the humanitarian community. He thanked donors and
humanitarian workers for their generosity and support to return both the recent
and long-term displaced.
World Humanitarian Day has its origins in
Iraq where the UN office was bombed on 19 August 2003 and 22 people lost their
lives. On this second annual World Humanitarian Day, we remember the many
humanitarian workers who have been killed or injured in their line of work.
Last year alone, 102 humanitarian workers around the world lost their lives,
278 were victims of serious security incidents and 92 were kidnapped in the
course of their work.
.................................................................................. The second World Humanitarian Day takes
place this year on 19 August to honor and celebrate the work of
humanitarian workers. The 19 of August has been chosen by the United
Nations to commemorate the work of humanitarian workers as it marks the
day when 22 employees of the UN, including the UN Special Representative
Sergio Vieira de Mello, were killed in a bomb attack in 2003 in
Baghdad.
This year focus will be on the actual
work and achievements of humanitarian workers in the field. This year’s
theme is “We are humanitarian workers”. It will be as well the occasion
to remember and honor those who have lost their lives while helping
others. A total of 102 humanitarian workers died in the exercise of
their functions in 2009.
Humanitarian workers are forgotten
heroes, heroes without whom there wouldn’t be any humanitarian
assistance. Not only do they work in the worst places of the world, in
extreme temperatures (high frost, extremely hot countries), threatened
by diseases but in dangerous places as well where they risk their lives
to help the destitute, the victims of wars or natural catastrophes,
whatever their race, nationality, religious or political beliefs – with
total neutrality.
This year the Day will be commemorated
everywhere in the world and more specifically in Geneva, capital of
humanitarian assistance.
Under the leadership of the Sergio
Vieira de Mello Foundation and in collaboration with the UN
organizations and nongovernmental organizations as well as with the
support of the Geneva authorities, the event this year will be held for
the second time in the Parc des Bastions. The public is invited to come
and talk, discuss, ask questions to humanitarian workers back from the
field eager to explain their motivation, their work and their
responsibilities.
Starting at 18:00, public will be
invited to stroll around the “Humanitarian Village” and stopped as they
wish to a dozen stands where they will be able to familiarize with the
different stages of action to rescue victims of crises.
The event will be launched by a «
Humanitarian Walk » that will start from la Plaine de Plainpalais at
17:30 heading to the « Humanitarian Village » at the Parc des Bastions.
UN and NGO’s employees will be wearing t-shirt with the words “I am a
humanitarian worker”.
The Foundation is grateful that its
initiative is getting more and more attention every year. Last year, the
World Humanitarian Day was commemorated in 41 countries of the world.
This year’s event should be even more acknowledged and the Foundation
count on all humanitarian agencies and organizations, governments and
general public to mark this special day. Individuals are already taking
initiatives, like the Australian musicians group, Fahrenheit 43, who
dedicated a special song "The Reason" - about the need to help those
less fortunated - for the World Humanitarian Day.
The Office of the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has also created a collaborative film
featuring aid workers from across the globe for this special day. The
video, as well as the song The Reason and more information are available
below.
WFP together with corporate partners TNT and Unilever are organizing
‘Hunger Train’ as part of the global advocacy and fundraising event‘End Hunger: Walk the World’ focused on child
malnutrition in Sri Lanka on June 6, 2010.
Hunger and
malnutrition are the biggest threats to global health worldwide. One billion
people –one in six people on the planet-
go to bed hungry at night, and one in three children in the developing world is
stunted due to micro-nutrient deficiencies.
In Sri Lanka 21% of
school aged children are underweight, and under-5 malnutrition rates stand at
22% underweight, 19 % stunted and 12% wasted. These figures go up to almost 40%
in former conflict areas and 47% on estate plantations.
The generous
sponsorship of the ‘Hunger Train’ event will go towards addressing the issue of
malnutrition in Sri Lanka through WFP’s school meals programme.
On 6 June, hundreds of
thousands of people around the globe will hit the streets to say that the
situation of malnutrition in the world is not acceptable.
"End Hunger: Walk
the World" is an annual event to raise money and awareness for WFP’s
efforts to fight child hunger and malnutrition. The Walk is a joint effort of
WFP and its corporate partners, led by TNT, Unilever and DSM. Employees from
these companies walk with WFP Goodwill Ambassadors, staff, and beneficiaries as
well as government and NGO partners to show their solidarity in the fight
against hunger and malnutrition.
Each year World Health Day is celebrated on 7th April. In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) focused on the theme “Urbanization and Health”. With the campaign “1000 cities-1000 lives”, events will be organized across the world calling on cities to open up the streets for health activities.
In Sri Lanka, WHO is working closely with the Ministry of Health, Regional Directors of Health Services, Municipal Councils and Medical Officers of Health to - Draw attention to the need for action by all sectors and people to address the issues of urban health
- Mobilize cities throughout the country to join this worldwide campaign Six cities; Colombo, Thamankaduwa, Tangalle, Ampara, Chilaw, Batticaloa will be involved in activities such as cleaning up campaigns, no smoking campaigns, aerobic sessions, health walks advocacy seminars, screening clinics ,awareness campaigns ect. as part of collective efforts to mark World Health Day in Sri Lanka.
UNHABITAT is also partnering with WHO in the campaign through its “Urban Slum Re-Awakening Programme’ to raise awareness of slum dwellers on health issues related to living near canals in Moratuwa, Dehiwala and Mount Lavinia.
How you can get involved: Tell the world about what is happening in your city and exchange ideas with people from around the globe. You can go to the campaign social media site to join the discussion, upload your videos and photos and nominate your urban health hero! You can also follow the campaign on Facebook, Youtube and Flickr. For more information, visit www.whosrilanka. org, www.who.searo.int or WWW.who.int.WHD 2010
The United Nations will commemorate
International Women’s Day on 5th March 2010 to highlight the
importance of equal rights and equal opportunities for men and women in Sri
Lanka and across the globe, through a joint event organized by the United
Nations inter-agency theme group for gender.
2010 marks the 100th
anniversary of International Women’s Day which commenced in 1910 with the
second International Conference of Working Women held in Copenhagen. It is a day
to the mark the real progress of women in their social, political and economic
achievements and to renew our commitment to achieve true equality.
The events held will seek to
promote the rights of women from all spheres of society in Sri Lanka and will include a theatrical performance, a discussion
by an imminent panel of speakers and songs which will highlight the global theme
as well as the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.
The panel
discussion will comprise of eminent speakers, Professor Savithri Goonesekere,
former Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo, Dr Vinya Ariyaratne, Former Executive
Director, Sarvodaya, Mrs Lalitha Dissanayaka, former Secretary to the Ministry
of Women’s Affairs and Ms. Ayomi Fernando, Head of Responsible Business Initiatives Unit of the
Employer’s Federation of Ceylon. The panel will focus on the
issues faced by women in the political, post conflict, plantation and private
sectors respectively and explore solutions to the problems they face.
Invitees for the event range
include Ministry and government officials, Foreign diplomats, I/NGOs, general
public and students.
When: 5th March,9.30 am to 12.00 noon Where: Atrium Lobby, Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo
The Secretary-General's message on UN Day - 24 October 2009
On this United Nations Day and every day throughout the year, the United Nations is at work -- for the planet, for jobs, for “we the peoples”.
We deliver more humanitarian aid than anyone – and to the toughest places.We vaccinate 40 per cent of the world’s children.We feed more than 100 million people and are helping more than 30 million refugees, most of them women and children fleeing war and persecution.We are deploying more peacekeepers than ever -- more than 115,000.In the last year alone, we provided electoral assistance to almost 50 countries.And the entire UN system has mobilized to face global economic turmoil and the social unrest it threatens.
People look to the United Nations to defeat poverty and hunger, to keep the peace, to expand education and stand up for human rights in every corner of the globe.They look to us to stop the spread of deadly weapons and disease, and to protect people and families hit by disasters. In December, they will look to us to seal a comprehensive, equitable and ambitious deal on climate change that will protect us all and pave the way toward a greener, more sustainable economy.
This is a unique moment in world affairs.Multiple crises – food, fuel, financial, flu – are hitting at once.Climate change looms larger every day.Each illustrates a 21st-century truth:we share one planet, one home.As people, as nations, as a species, we sink or swim together.
The United Nations is doing its utmost to respond – to address the big issues, to look at the big picture.We are forging a new multilateralism that can deliver real results for all people, especially those most in need. But I am also painfully aware of the distance to go and the gap between commitment and action. On this UN Day, let us resolve to redouble our efforts on behalf of the vulnerable, the powerless, the defenceless.Let us stand more united than ever – united in purpose and united in action to make the world a safer, better place.
The Secretary General's Message on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Today we recognize the daily struggles and contributions of those living in poverty and resolve to intensify efforts to eliminate the scourge once and for all.
At a time of multiple global crises, the poorest and most vulnerable have a special claim on our attention.We know that, in any recession, those hurt first—and worst—are the poor.According to recent estimates, the global economic crisis has claimed at least 50 million jobs this year.As many as 100 million more people are expected to fall below the poverty line in 2009.Climate change further compounds the problem.
The theme of this year’s observance, “Children and Families Speak Out Against Poverty”, coincides with the twentieth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.We recognize that investing in children and securing their rights is one of the surest ways to ending poverty.
Despite our world of plenty, children’s basic needs are still being sidelined. Millions of children continue to be deprived of an education, with many more at risk of dropping out of school. This is particularly true for girl children.
Yet we also know that common sense investments to meet the Millennium Development Goals can make a profound difference.In areas where global investments have been scaled up – such as AIDS, TB, malaria and vaccine-preventable diseases – we are seeing heartening progress.There has also been notable success in reducing under-five mortality.These gains suggest how we can accelerate progress toward those MDG targets where the world is still far behind – by investing in key areas such as primary education, basic infrastructure and maternal health.
The United Nations system is responding to the crisis on a number of fronts -- promoting food security, building a greener economy, ensuring stronger safety nets and putting forward a Global Jobs Pact.We are also developing a Global Impact and Vulnerability Alert System—GIVAS—to create a networked capacity for real-time data collection and analysis.Policies must be driven by a solid picture of developments on the ground.
We are at a critical juncture in the fight against poverty.Now is the time to amplify the voices of the vulnerable and ensure that the world follows up on its pledges.With the right investments and concrete action, we can build upon the gains, fulfill our commitments, and ensure that every man, woman and child has the opportunity to make the most of their potential.
Food and nutritional security are the foundations of a decent life, a sound education and, indeed, the achievement of all the Millennium Development Goals.Over the past two years, volatile food prices, the economic crisis, climate change and conflict have led to a dramatic and unacceptable rise in the number of people who cannot rely on getting the food they need to live, work and thrive.For the first time in history, more than one billion people are hungry.
Throughout the developing world, food prices remain stubbornly high.We must respond to the needs of the hungry, first by ensuring adequate political and financial support for emergency food assistance.“Achieving food security in times of crisis” is the theme for this year's World Food Day and for the TeleFood campaign of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations.It emphasizes the need for even greater efforts to respect the dignity of those affected by poverty and hunger, and to support the committed women and men who often risk their lives to deliver help.
Second, we must invest in food production and distribution.Last year, I set up a High-Level Task Force on the Global Food Crisis. Its Comprehensive Framework for Action outlines a strategy to provide safety nets and assistance for smallholder farmers and to support longer-term agricultural productivity and resilience, social protection schemes, market access and fair trade.
Nations are mobilizing for action.In July, 26 countries and 14 multilateral organizations agreed to work together under the umbrella of the L'Aquila initiative on food security.Next month's World Summit on Food Security in Rome is a further opportunity to focus on country-led and regional strategies, country-level partnerships and increased levels of assistance.
The challenges of food security demand multilateral commitment, creativity and leadership.At this time of crisis, I encourage all nations to pursue coordinated and comprehensive strategies for agricultural development and effective social protection so that vulnerable people – women and children in particular – can get the food they need for nutritional security and well-being.
Over 80 countries celebrate the second annual Global Handwashing Day
Everyone can make a difference in the “Clean hands saves lives” campaign
Washington DC, 15 October 2009 – Each year, diarrhoeal diseases and acute respiratory infections are responsible for the deaths of more than 3.5 million children under the age of five. The second annual Global Handwashing Day, being celebrated today, shines a spotlight on the importance of handwashing with soap and water as one of the most effective and affordable health interventions.
Water alone is not enough. Washing hands with soap and water especially at the critical times -- after using the toilet and before handling food -- helps reduce the incidence of diarrhoeal disease by more than 40 per cent and respiratory infections by nearly 25 per cent. Furthermore, washing hands with soap is also being recommended as a critical action to prevent the spread of influenza H1N1.
Yet, despite its life-saving potential, handwashing with soap is seldom practiced and not always easy to promote.
Although soap is available in most households around the world, observed rates of handwashing with soap at critical moments range from zero to 34 per cent. For successful, and sustained behavioural change to occur, it is vital to incorporate community-based and community-sensitive approaches that understand what motivates people to change.
Unsafe water and inadequate sanitation are often major causes of lost work and missed school days, perpetuating the cycle of economic and social stagnation in many countries. Investments in health, child survival, education, water supply, and sanitation are all jeopardized if there is a lack of emphasis on handwashing with soap.
Under the slogan of “Clean hands save lives,” the second annual Global Handwashing Day campaign aims to engage schoolchildren as effective agents for change. The introduction of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions in schools, including handwashing with soap, is an entry point for children to understand and then take these good hygiene practices back into their homes and communities.
Improved sanitation and hygiene programmes combined with handwashing education directly impact the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 2: universal primary education and MDG 3: gender equality via higher enrolment, attendance and retention rates in schools for both girls and boys. Additionally, higher rates of handwashing with soap would significantly contribute towards meeting the MDG 4 of reducing deaths of children under the age of five by two-thirds by 2015. Handwashing with soap represents a cornerstone of public health and can be considered an affordable, accessible “do-it-yourself” vaccine. A
pproximately 200 million children lathered up for last year’s inaugural Global Handwashing Day in 86 countries across five continents. From Colombia to Bangladesh, from Kenya to the Philippines, from the United Kingdom to Ethiopia, schools and communities worldwide organized and participated in celebrations and handwashing campaigns.
This year millions more, including, children, teachers, parents, celebrities, and government officials in over 80 countries, plan to join the celebrations. Global Handwashing Day is an initiative of the Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing with Soap, and is endorsed by a wide array of governments, international institutions, civil society organizations, NGOs, private companies and individuals worldwide.
Well over 700 school children and their teachers took part in a peace march in the city of Anuradhapura, and later attended a seminar organized to mark the International Day of Peace 2009 last Tuesday, 22 September.
Students, both girls and boys dressed in white uniforms commenced their march from Nivaththaka Chetiya Maha Vidyalaya around eight in the morning and returned to the starting point after trekking four kilo meters through busy streets of the city.
They carried three big banners with the humanity’s eternal wish “let there be peace forever in the world” written on them in Sinhala, Tamil and English. The seminar was held in the auditorium of the school with the participation of all those who took part in the peace march.
Provincial Director of Education, North Central Province, UN National Information Officer and a representative of the UN Association of Sri Lanka addressed the gathering dealing with different issues and aspects relating to peace and UN’s contribution towards maintaining peace in the present day world. Several cultural items presented by students of Nivaththaka Chethiya added colour to the seminar.
The peace march and seminar were organized by the UN Information Centre, Colombo ,with the support of Provincial Department of Education and UN Association of SRI Lanka. September 21every year has been designated as the International Day of Peace by the UN General Assembly.
Message from the Secretary-General
Today is the first World Humanitarian Day, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.
It is, above all, a day on which we renew our commitment to help vulnerable, voiceless and marginalized people wherever they may be. That is the abiding mission of the humanitarian community.
This is also a day on which we pay tribute to the legions of heroic humanitarian personnel. These men and women come from many backgrounds. But they share a conviction that one person’s suffering is everyone’s responsibility. The date of this observance marks the anniversary of the attack on UN Headquarters in Baghdad which killed 22 dedicated men and women, including the great humanitarian Sergio Vieira de Mello.
We continue to draw inspiration from their legacy, and remain determined to carry it forward. The Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation is doing just that by establishing an annual prize in his name that will recognize outstanding achievements in the peaceful reconciliation of conflict.
Like Sergio and the other brave colleagues who lost their lives that terrible day, humanitarian personnel venture to troubled regions to help others. For them, there can be no such thing as a forgotten conflict.
But to do that noble work -- to face down threats amid disaster and war -- they need our help. They need us to work tirelessly for their safety, security and independence.
World Humanitarian Day is meant to shine a spotlight on people in need, to ensure they receive the assistance they deserve. Let us redouble our efforts toward this goal. Let us fulfill our humanitarian imperative.
