1. World Refugee Day - 20 June 2024
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.
This year's theme, "Solidarity with Refugees," underscores the crucial need to develop inclusive health systems and provide fair healthcare access to refugees globally, as highlighted by WHO.
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.
June 2024 Days and Themes
World Sickle Cell Disease Day - 19 June - Theme - "Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally."
International Day for Countering Hate Speech - 18 June - Theme - "The Power of Youth for Countering and Addressing Hate Speech".
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought - 17 June - Theme - “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future,”
World Blood Donor Day - 14 June - Theme - "20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!"
World Day Against Child Labour - 12 June - Theme - "Let's act on our commitments: End Child Labour."
World Accreditation Day - 9 June - Theme -"Accreditation: Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future."
2. The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict - 19 June 2024
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The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed annually on 19 June to raise global awareness and honor victims and survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV).
An Overview of the News
The 2024 theme is "Attacks against health care in conflict-affected areas: Impacts for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence."
The focus highlights the need for safe healthcare environments, crucial for all conflict-injured individuals, including survivors of sexual violence.
2024 Event
On 19 June 2024, an event was held in New York, USA, co-hosted by the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC), Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG CAAC), and the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the UN.
Background and Significance
Origin: Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in resolution A/RES/69/293 on 19 June 2015.
Resolution 1820 (2008): Adopted by the UN Security Council on 19 June 2008, condemning sexual violence as a tactic of war and an obstacle to peacebuilding.
Addressing Violent Extremism: Resolution S/RES/2331 (2016) recognized sexual violence as a tactic used by terrorist groups, ensuring victims are eligible for official support.
Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV)
Definition: Includes rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization, forced marriage, and trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Underreporting: Fear and cultural stigma lead to significant underreporting; experts estimate that only a fraction of cases are documented compared to actual occurrences.
3. World Sickle Cell Awareness Day - 19 June 2024
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World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is observed annually on June 19th to spotlight the impact of sickle cell disease (SCD) globally.
An Overview of the News
It aims to increase understanding and awareness of SCD's effects on individuals, families, and communities worldwide.
Characteristics of Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells, often taking on a crescent or sickle shape.
These irregularly shaped cells can obstruct blood vessels, leading to various health complications such as organ damage, anemia, and heightened susceptibility to infections.
Theme for World Sickle Cell Disease Day 2024
The theme for 2024 is "Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally."
This theme underscores the collective effort to foster awareness, diminish stigma, and promote advancements in care for individuals affected by sickle cell disease worldwide.
Objectives and Impact
The primary goal is to unite voices globally, advocating for improved understanding and support for those living with sickle cell disease.
Efforts focus on driving meaningful changes in healthcare practices and policies to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families affected by this condition.
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.
4. International Day for Countering Hate Speech - 18 June 2024
Tags: Important Days
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.
On June 18, 2024, the world observes the 3rd International Day for Countering Hate Speech.
The theme for the International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2024 focuses on "The Power of Youth for Countering and Addressing Hate Speech".
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 2024 Days and Themes
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought - 17 June - Theme - “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future,”
World Blood Donor Day - 14 June - Theme - "20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!"
World Day Against Child Labour - 12 June - Theme - "Let's act on our commitments: End Child Labour."
World Accreditation Day - 9 June - Theme -"Accreditation: Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future."
World Oceans Day - 8 June - Theme - "Awaken New Depths,".
World Environment Day - 5 June - Theme - "Our Land, Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration"
5. World Father’s Day - Third Sunday of 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 2024 is being celebrated on 16th June.
An overview of the news
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.
The themefor Father's Day 2024 centers around “Honoring Fatherhood: Strength, Love, and Sacrifice”.
Background of the day
The origins of Father's Day can be traced back to the early20th 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. World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought - 17 June
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World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on 17 June.
An Overview of the News
The day focuses on converting poor land into healthy or fertile soil to combat desertification.
The desertification of land is mainly caused by human activities and climate change.
This is due to dry land ecosystems that are extremely vulnerable to overexploitation and inappropriate use of land.
The day highlights the need for an early measure to avoid any disastrous consequences for humanity and the planetary ecosystem.
Theme of 2024:
This year, the theme of Desertification and Drought Day is “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future,” which focuses on:
The future of land stewardship
Recognizing land as our most precious resource
Ensuring the stability of billions of people globally
Promoting the prosperity of communities worldwide
History and Significance of the day
In December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly resolved to observe 17 June as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.
Since then, the United Nations, NGOs and various countries have been organizing events to spread awareness to combat desertification and drought.
The purpose of this day is to convert degraded land into healthy land.
To combat this threat, groups and communities are working together to convert arid, semi-arid and arid wetlands into fertile soils.
7. World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) - 14 June 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) is globally observed every 14th of June to raise awareness about the importance of safe blood and blood products, as well as to express appreciation for voluntary, unpaid blood donors.
An Overview of the News
The World Health Organization (WHO) leads the annual observance of WBDD.
June 14, 2024, marks the 20th anniversary of WBDD.
The theme/slogan for WBDD 2024 is "20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!"
Peru is the host country for WBDD 2024, and the events are organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Peru.
Establishment and Background of WBDD
WBDD was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2004.
It commemorates the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood groups in 1901.
The first WBDD was observed on June 14, 2004.
Recognition and Adoption
In 2005, the 58th World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted resolution WHA58.13 titled "Blood safety: proposal to establish World Blood Donor Day."
This resolution endorsed the celebration of WBDD annually on June 14.
8. World Day Against Child Labour - 12 June 2024
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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 2024 is "Let's act on our commitments: End Child Labour."
The International Labor Organization (ILO) is dedicated to eliminating child labour.
The ILO aims to protect all children, especially those vulnerable to child labour.
Ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for children is a priority for the ILO.
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
9. World Bicycle Day - 3 June 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Bicycle Day is an annual event celebrated on 3 June.
An Overview of the News
The day recognizes the bicycle as a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally sustainable means of transportation.
The theme for World Bicycle Day 2024 is “Promoting Health, Equity, and Sustainability through Cycling”.
The theme emphasises the collective efforts needed to promote a sustainable future through the use of bicycles.
History of World Bicycle Day
The day is celebrated to mark the anniversary of theinvention of the bicycle by Karl von Drais on 3 June 1817.
World Bicycle Day was established on June 3, 2018, following the adoption of a resolution during the 72nd regular session of the United Nations General Assembly in April.
The United Nations recognizes the bicycle as a direct, cost-effective, reliable, eco-friendly and sustainable means of transportation.
10. World Accreditation Day - 9 June 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Accreditation Day is a day celebrated annually on 9th June.
An Overview of the News
It is a global initiative established by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).
2024 Theme: "Accreditation: Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future."
Objective: To raise awareness of the value and importance of recognition.
Promotes the quality, safety and reliability of products, services and systems.
Lowers trade barriers and promotes innovation.
The ILAC/IAF mutual recognition arrangement enhances supply chain efficiency.
Accreditation confirms that conformity assessment bodies (CABs) meet standards.
CABs provide services such as testing, inspection and certification.
History of World Accreditation Day:
World Accreditation Day (WAD) was established in 2008 by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).
WAD aims to raise awareness of the importance of accreditation in ensuring quality, safety and reliability.
It is observed annually on 9 June, which marks the anniversary of the signing of the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) in 1994.
ILAC is an agreement between MRA accreditation bodies that enables mutual recognition of accreditation across countries.
ILAC facilitates international trade by fostering trust and confidence in MRA conformity assessment results.
The WAD serves as a forum for activities and initiatives to increase public understanding of recognition.
