International Human Solidarity Day
The
United Nations' (UN) International Human Solidarity Day is annually
held on December 20 to celebrate unity in diversity. It also aims to
remind people on the importance of solidarity in working towards
eradicating poverty.
What Do People Do?
On International Human Solidarity Day, governments are reminded of
their commitments to international agreements on the need for human
solidarity as an initiative to fight against poverty. People are
encouraged to debate on ways to promote solidarity and find innovative
methods to help eradicate poverty.
Activities may include promoting campaigns on issues such as:
- Banning land mines.
- Making health and medication accessible to those in need.
- Relief efforts to help those who suffered the effects of natural or human-made disasters.
- Achieving universal education.
- Fighting against poverty, corruption and terrorism.
The day is promoted through all forms of media including magazine
articles, speeches at official events, and web blogs from groups,
individuals or organizations committed to universal solidarity.
Background
Solidarity refers to a union of interests, purposes or sympathies
among members of a group. In the Millennium Declaration world leaders
agreed that solidarity was a value that was important to international
relations in the 21st century. In light of globalization and growing
inequality, the UN realized that strong international solidarity and
cooperation was needed to achieve its Millennium Development Goals. The
UN was founded on the idea unity and harmony via the concept of
collective security that relies on its members' solidarity to unite for
international peace and security.
On December 22, 2005, the UN General Assembly proclaimed that
International Solidarity Day would take place on December 20 each year.
The event aimed to raise people's awareness of the importance of
advancing the international development agenda and promoting global
understanding of the value of human solidarity. The assembly felt that
the promotion of a culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing was
important in combating poverty.
Symbols
The UN emblem may be found in material promoting International Human
Solidarity Day. The emblem consists of a projection of the globe
centered on the North Pole. It depicts all continents except Antarctica
and four concentric circles representing degrees of latitude. The
projection is surrounded by images of olive branches, representing
peace. The emblem is often blue, although it is printed in white on a
blue background on the UN flag.
