1. World Refugee Day - 20 June
Tags: Important Days
World Refugee Day is observed annually on 20 June.
An Overview of the News
World Refugee Day is an internationally recognized day established by the United Nations.
Its purpose is to pay tribute to refugees around the world.
The day serves as a platform to acknowledge the bravery and determination of individuals who have been forced to flee their homeland due to conflict or persecution.
The theme for World Refugee Day 2023 is "Hope away from home".
The theme emphasizes the importance of mental well-being for refugees in rebuilding their lives and striving for a brighter future.
History of World Refugee Day
It originated with the resolution 55/76 of the United Nations General Assembly passed on 4 December 2000.
The purpose of the resolution is to raise awareness of the growing global refugee population and to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention.
The Refugee Convention of 1951 was established after World War II to establish a legal framework to protect and ensure the rights of refugees.
The convention defined criteria for identifying individuals as refugees, outlined their rights, and defined the responsibilities of states in providing protection and assistance to them.
2. World Sickle Cell Awareness Day - 19 June
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World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is observed on 19 June each year to raise awareness of the impact of sickle cell disease (SCD) on individuals, families and communities around the world.
An Overview of the News
It aims to raise awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD).
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder and is characterised by abnormal red blood cells that take on a crescent or sickle shape.
Irregularly shaped cells can cause blockage in the blood vessels and this leads to various health complications.
This disease affects individuals, families and communities around the world.
This can result in organ damage, anaemia and increased susceptibility to infection.
History of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day:
It originated from a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly on 22 December 2008.
The resolution recognized sickle cell disease as a global health concern.
The disease mainly affects people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian origin.
3. International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict - 19 June
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The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed on 19 June every year.
An Overview of the News
Its main goal is to raise awareness and end sexual violence in conflict situations.
The theme for 2023 is "Bridging the gender digital divide to prevent, address and respond to conflict-related sexual violence."
The day focuses on the prevalence and consequences of sexual violence in conflict zones.
About the United Nations (UN)
It was established in 1945 and is headquartered in New York, United States.
The primary goal of the United Nations is to adapt to an ever-changing world and to promote international cooperation among nations.
It serves as a central hub to facilitate dialogue, negotiation and coordination among its 193 member states.
The United Nations encompasses almost all globally recognized sovereign nations, making it a truly universal organization.
Its main focus lies in addressing global challenges such as peace and security, human rights, sustainable development and climate change.
4. International Day for Countering Hate Speech - 18 June
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The International Day for Countering Hate Speech is observed annually on 18 June.
An Overview of the News
The day serves as a reminder to address the global problem of hate speech.
Hate speech, amplified by communication technologies, contributes to violence, intolerance and fragmentation.
The International Day for Countering Hate Speech stresses the need for concerted efforts.
Its goal is to counter the spread of divisive language and promote mutual understanding, respect and inclusivity.
History of International Day for Countering Hate Speech
The International Day for Countering Hate Speech is a global initiative.
In July 2021, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution stressing the need to combat hate speech.
The resolution recognizes that hate speech is a threat to human rights and social cohesion.
The day is based on the United Nations Strategy and Action Plan on Hate Speech launched on June 18, 2019.
June 2023 Days and Themes
World Blood Donor Day - 14 June - Theme - "Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often."
International Albinism Awareness Day - 13 June - Theme - "United in making our voices heard".
World Day Against Child Labour - 12 June - Theme - "Social Justice for All. End Child Labour!"
World Accreditation Day - 9 June - Theme - "Accreditation: Supporting the Future of Global Business."
World Oceans Day - 8 June - Theme - "Planet Ocean: The Tides Are Changing".
World Environment Day - 5 June - Theme - 'Solutions to plastic pollution'.
5. World Father’s Day-18 June
Tags: Important Days
Father's Day is a special occasion celebrated in many countries around the world to honor and appreciate fathers. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. This year Father's Day 2023 is being celebrated on 18th June.
An overview of the news
It is a day to express love, gratitude, and respect towards fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and other father figures who have played important roles in people's lives.
People celebrate Father's Day by giving cards, gifts, or spending quality time with their fathers.
The significance of Father's Day goes beyond material gifts, as it serves as a reminder to acknowledge the love, support, and guidance provided by fathers.
It is an opportunity to strengthen the bond between fathers and their children and to recognize the invaluable role fathers play in their families and society.
This year's Father's Day theme is ‘Celebrating the Greatest Heroes of Our Lives’.
Background of the day
The origins of Father's Day can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States.
Sonora Smart Dodd is often credited with the idea of establishing a day to honor fathers, inspired by Mother's Day.
The first official Father's Day was celebrated in 1910 in Spokane, Washington.
Over the years, Father's Day has gained widespread recognition and is celebrated in various countries around the world.
It was officially recognised by the U.S. Congress in 1972.
6. Global Wind Day
Tags: Important Days
Every year on June 15th, people worldwide unite to celebrate World Wind Day.
An overview of the news
This is a significant event that highlights the immense potential and importance of wind energy in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
In India, these celebrations were initiated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.
As a part of the celebrations, a day-long program was organized in New Delhi.
The event discussed the success, progress and potential of wind energy in India.
Theme of celebration in India was ‘Pawan – Urja: Powering the Future of India’.
MNRE has set a target of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Background of the day
World Wind Day was first established in 2007 by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), which later became WindEurope.
The event aimed to promote wind power and increase public awareness about its potential as a renewable energy source.
Over the years, World Wind Day has gained international recognition, with numerous countries and organizations actively participating in the celebrations.
Important facts about Wind Energy
Wind power is a renewable energy source generated by harnessing thekinetic energy of the wind through wind turbines.
Wind turbines are often found in wind farms, which consist of multiple turbines strategically placed to maximize energy production.
Wind power is clean and produces no greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants during operation, contributing to improved air quality and reduced environmental impact.
Wind energy is a rapidly growing industry globally, with increasing investments and technological advancements leading to greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Wind energy has the potential to provide a significant portion of the world's electricity needs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
7. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - 15 June
Tags: Important Days
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed annually on 15 June.
An Overview of the News
The day aims to raise awareness about the abuse, discrimination and neglect experienced by older persons.
It serves as a platform to emphasise the importance of upholding the rights of older adults and promoting their dignity.
The theme for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023 is "Closing the Circle: Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Older Age Policy, Law and Evidence-Based Responses."
The theme focuses on highlighting the issue of gender-based violence among older persons.
History of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
The United Nations officially established World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in 2011.
June 15 was designated as the day to recognize the global issue of elder abuse and to promote the well-being of older adults.
United Nations General Assembly
Establishment - 1945
Headquarters - New York, United States
Founder - United Nations
June 2023 Days and Themes
World Blood Donor Day - 14 June - Theme - "Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often."
International Albinism Awareness Day - 13 June - Theme - "United in making our voices heard".
World Day Against Child Labour - 12 June - Theme - "Social Justice for All. End Child Labour!"
World Accreditation Day - 9 June - Theme - "Accreditation: Supporting the Future of Global Business."
World Oceans Day - 8 June - Theme - "Planet Ocean: The Tides Are Changing".
World Environment Day - 5 June - Theme - 'Solutions to plastic pollution'.
8. World Blood Donor Day - 14 June
Tags: Important Days
World Blood Donor Day is celebrated every year on 14 June.
An Overview of the News
The day aims to express gratitude to the selfless voluntary blood donors and celebrate the essence of life and humanity.
The program emphasises the importance of ensuring universal access to safe blood transfusions.
The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2023 is "Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often."
The theme highlights the importance of regular blood and plasma donations to create a safe and sustainable supply of blood and blood products around the world.
The host country of World Blood Donor Day 2023 is Algeria.
The National Blood Transfusion Service of Algeria is responsible for organising and coordinating the global program.
History of World Blood Donor Day
The World Health Organization (WHO) established World Blood Donor Day in 2004.
In 2005, the 58th World Health Assembly designated it as an annual global event.
World Blood Donor Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation.
Blood donation has ancient origins, with cultures recognizing the medical benefits of bloodletting and blood transfusions.
English physician Richard Lower contributed significantly to blood donation.
Lower's book, 'Tractatus de Cordae', documented his important work on blood transfusion and the functioning of the cardiopulmonary system.
9. International Albinism Awareness Day - 13 June
Tags: Important Days
International Color Blindness (Albinism) Awareness Day is observed annually on 13 June.
An Overview of the News
- The day aims to create awareness about albinism, a genetic skin condition.
- It seeks to promote the rights and regulation of persons with albinism globally.
- The theme for the International Albinism Awareness Day 2023 is "Inclusion is Power."
- The theme is based on the previous year's 2022 theme "United in making our voices heard".
History of International Albinism Awareness Day
- In 2013, the United Nations Human Rights Council recognized albinism as a human rights issue.
- The resolution condemns global violence and discrimination against persons with albinism.
- On 18 December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly designated 13 June as the International Color Blindness Awareness Day.
- The National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) actively participated in a United Nations program following the adoption of the resolution.
Albinism:
- Albinism is a group of heritable conditions associated with decreased or absent melanin in ectoderm-derived tissues (most notably the skin, hair, and eyes), yielding a characteristic decrease in skin pigmentation.
- Patients with albinism are particularly susceptible to solar damage, and these patients must utilise lifelong sun protection precautions.
- These patients should be educated on avoidance of prolonged UV light exposure and avoidance of medications that increase photosensitivity.
- This activity reviews the evaluation and management of albinism and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in the recognition and management of this condition.
10. World Day Against Child Labour - 12 June
Tags: Important Days
World Day Against Child Labour is celebrated every year on 12th June.
An Overview of the News
The day aims to inspire a global movement against child labour.
The theme for World Day Against Child Labour 2023 is "Social Justice for All. End Child Labour!"
The International Labour Organization launched this program in 2002 to address the issue of child labour at the international level.
The day aims to inspire individuals, organizations and governments to combat child labour and work towards its permanent elimination.
About International Labour Organization
Head: Gilbert Hongbo
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Establishment: 1919
