“Stand up for someone's rights today!” – Celebrating Human Rights Day

On this day, 10 December 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its preamble and thirty articles outline a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations and sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected. Sixty-eight years later, human rights and values are still under attack across the world. However, we the citizens of this world can make a difference by stepping forward and defending the rights of vulnerable people who are at risk of discrimination or violence.

“It’s time for each of us to step up for human rights. There is no action that is too small: wherever you are, you can make a difference. Together, let’s take a stand for more humanity.”

- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights 
Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein

Please click here for more information.

International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime

In September 2015, the UN General Assembly established this day for December 9 because it is the anniversary of the adoption of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the “Genocide Convention”). 

This day raises awareness of the Genocide Convention and its role in combating and preventing the crime of genocide as well as to commemorate and honour its victims.

“The prevention of genocide is a specific obligation under international law. Governments must act on this imperative by investing in prevention and taking preventive action. On this new international observance, let us recognize the need to work together more concertedly to protect individuals from gross human rights violations and uphold our common humanity.” - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Please click here for more information on the Genocide Convention.

Celebrating International Anti-Corruption Day - “We all have a stake in fighting corruption!”

Under UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/58/4, December 9 was designated International Anti-Corruption Day in order to raise awareness of corruption and of the role that the UN Convention against Corruption has in combating and preventing it. Corruption is a severe impediment to economic growth, and a significant challenge for developed, emerging and developing countries. According to the United Nations Development Programme, funds lost to corruption in developing countries are estimated at 10 times the amount of official development assistance provided. No country, region or community is immune from the effects of corruption. For more information on how corruption can affect your daily life and what you can do to tackle the corruption challenge, please click here.

Celebrating International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development

Today we celebrate International Volunteer Day (IVD) as mandated by UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/40/212 in December 1985.  Everyday, volunteers and organizations give their time and resources to promote peace and development in various communities around the world. This day give us an opportunity to acknowledge their efforts and bring recognition to the positive contributions that volunteerism brings to our societies.

"I extend my deepest gratitude to the more than 6,700 United Nations Volunteers, 12,000 United Nations Online Volunteers and the one billion community volunteers worldwide. You are all instrumental to the future of people and the planet. Your commitment and passion can act as inspiration to us all." — UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon

Additional information can be found here.

The Forum on Minority Issues in Times of Humanitarian Crisis

On November 24 and 25, 2016, IIMA attended the 9th Session of the Forum on Minority Issues on "Minorities in situations of humanitarian crises” in Room XX of the Palais des Nations. The forum on minority issues was established, pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 6/15 of 28 September 2007 renewed by resolution 19/23 of 23 March 2012, to provide a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues pertaining to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, as well as thematic contributions and expertise to the work of the Special Rapporteur on minority issues.