UN Days April
Individuals and groups can help to make UN Days much more effective through meditation and prayer. On this site there is a meditation in support of the UN Days and information on ways to participate in the UN Days & Years Meditation Initiative
Here you will find information on the UN designated Days during April 2008. Information provided includes some backround, links to the UN site on the Day (where such a site exists), together with key thoughts for reflection.
2 APRIL
WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY
Acting on a proposal from the State of Qatar, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day on December 18, 2007.
The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.
Autism has been referred to as a growing global health crisis. It is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the world - more children being diagnosed with autism than diabetes, cancer and AIDS combined.
More at the Autism Day site.
4 APRIL
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MINE AWARENESS AND ASSISTANCE IN MINE ACTION
Mine Awareness Day will be observed for the second time this year to raise awareness about landmines and unexploded ordnance (grenades, missiles etc.) and progress towards their eradication.
In 84 countries unexploded landmines and other ordnance kill or maim between 15 and 20 thousand annually. While this is a serious problem, the situation is improving – in the late 1990’s an estimated 26,000 lives were lost each year.
Unlike so many of the global problems of our day, this one can be solved. April 4 is an opportunity to remind the world that there is light at the end of the tunnel. – Max Gaylard, Director, United Nations Mine Action Service
More information from the UN Mine Action site.
7 APRIL
WORLD HEALTH DAY
Year 2008 Theme: Protecting Health from Climate Change
World Health Day, which is observed on 7 April every year, seeks to raise global awareness of a specific area of concern in world health issues. The day also marks the launch of long-term advocacy programmes by the World Health Organisation.
Threats to health know no borders. In an age of widespread global trade and travel, new and existing diseases can cross national borders and threaten our collective security. Only through strong collaboration among developed and developing countries, together with an increased focus on information sharing and the strengthening of public health systems and surveillance, can we contain their spread. …
HIV/AIDS is a powerful example of how interdependent health and security have become. HIV/AIDS threatens the stability of entire regions and nations. Unlike many other diseases, AIDS attacks the most productive members of society. While there are major efforts under way to find a vaccine and to expand access to affordable treatments, much more still needs to be done.
Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General, World Health Organisation
World Health Day provides an opportunity for meditators to hold in mind the network of all true healers in the world – from orthodox and complementary disciplines. May they be blessed in their work; and may all people of goodwill be empowered in their efforts to foster health in mind, body, spirit – individual and society.
For more information on the Day visit World Health Day web site.
Key thought for reflection:
Today we want to make it absolutely clear to everyone that the health of women, the newborn and children are a priority for our world as a whole, and for every society, every community, and every family.
LEE Jong-wook, WHO Director General
23 APRIL
WORLD BOOK & COPYRIGHT DAY
By observing this Day throughout the world UNESCO draws the continuing attention of the international community "to the culture of writing and the importance of creativity ...."
"Ever since the invention of printing, books have been the medium of choice, providing an opening onto the imaginative world of others and enabling us to enrich ourselves with their creativity."
Federico Mayor
The day is celebrated on 23 April for a number of reasons.
- On this date in 1616 Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died.
- It is the date of the birth or death of prominent authors including Maurice Druon, K. Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Joseph Pla, Manuel Mejia Vallejo.
- In Catalonia on 23 April, St George's Day a rose is traditionally given as a gift for each book sold.
For more information on the day visit World Book & Copyright Day website
Key thought for reflection:
A good book is the precious life-blood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life.
John Milton
23 - 29 APRIL
UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL ROAD SAFETY WEEK
Road Saftey issues were raised to the international agenda in 2004 when a UN Road Safety Collaboration was established. Road Safety Week was first observed in 2007.
- More than 1.2 million people a year die as a result of road accidents - yet they have been largely ignored as a health issue;
- Road accidents are the second leading cause of death globally among young people aged 5 - 29;
- In high-income countries those most at risk of injury or death are drivers and passengers in cars; in low and middle-income countries the people who are most at risk of being involved in a road traffic crash are pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and users of informal modes of public transport;
- Road traffic injuries cost countries between 1% and 2% of gross national product;
- Strong preventative action can greatly reduce the number and seriousness of road accidents.
More information on the UN Road Safety site.
