Nelson Mandela International Day

Two years ago, I wrote about Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday. His 92nd birthday today is also Nelson Mandela International Day as declared by the United Nations General Assembly.

Resolution adopted by the General Assembly
[without reference to a Main Committee (A/64/L.13 and Add.1)]

64/13. Nelson Mandela International Day

The General Assembly,

Recognizing the long history of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s leading role in and support for Africa’s struggle for liberation and Africa’s unity, and his outstanding contribution to the creation of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic South Africa,

Recognizing also Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, as a humanitarian, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the upliftment of poor and underdeveloped communities,

Acknowledging Nelson Mandela’s contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world,

Welcoming the international campaign initiated by the Nelson Mandela Foundation and related organizations to each year observe 18 July, his birthday, as Mandela Day,

Welcoming also the statements of support by the Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly at its sixty-third session, on the occasion of the celebration of Mandela Day on 18 July 2009,

Recalling the worldwide participation and celebration of the inaugural Mandela Day on 18 July 2009,

Recalling also the endorsement by the Heads of State and Government of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries of the observance of 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day and the request that a resolution to this effect be adopted by the General Assembly at its sixty-fourth session,

1. Decides to designate 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day, to be observed each year beginning in 2010;

2. Invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to observe Nelson Mandela International Day in an appropriate manner;

3. Requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary measures, within existing resources, for the observance by the United Nations of Nelson Mandela International Day;

4. Also requests the Secretary-General to keep the General Assembly informed at its sixty-fifth session of the implementation of the present resolution within the United Nations system, and thereafter to keep the Assembly informed on an annual basis concerning the observance of Nelson Mandela International Day;

5. Further requests the Secretary-General to bring the present resolution to the attention of all Member States and United Nations organizations.

42nd plenary meeting
10 November 2009

Of course, not many people will even know. In Australia, the media is focused on the federal election announced yesterday.

However, this blog will honour the day by mentioning it.