Let's celebrate Mandela, a legacy of humility and service - UN Chief
New York, US (PANA) - As societies are becoming more polarized with hate speech on the rise, Nelson Mandela’s calls for solidarity and an end to racism are particularly relevant today.
"The pandemic too has further exposed our vital need for solidarity," the UN Secretary General António Guterres said, and asked that "we honour Madiba’s call to action and be empowered by his legacy."
On Nelson Mandela International Day (18 July), people around the world are asked to perform 67 minutes of public service; Take the Mandela Quiz to test your understanding of this great leader and learn the reason for the number 67, according to UN media outlet.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) had declared 18 July as “Nelson Mandela International Day,” in recognition of the contributions made by Nelson Mandela, the former South African President, to the culture of peace and freedom.
In the Resolution establishing this international day (A/RES/64/13), UNGA recognized Mandela’s values and dedication to the service of humanity in: conflict resolution; race relations; promotion and protection of human rights; reconciliation; gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups; the fight against poverty; the promotion of social justice.
The resolution also acknowledged Mandela's contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.
In December 2015, the UNGA decided to extend the scope of Nelson Mandela International Day to also be used to promote humane conditions of imprisonment, raise awareness about prisoners being a continuous part of society, and to value the work of prison staff as a social service of particular importance.
It adopted (A/RES/70/175) the revised United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and approved that they should be known as the “Nelson Mandela Rules.”
-0- PANA VAO 18July2021
