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World Press Freedom Day message from the Director-General of UNESCO, 3 May 2018
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General Message on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day 2018
“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” These words written by Thomas Jefferson in 1786, when he was fighting for the independence of his country, have a universal scope that transcends the historical moment of the foundation of the United States of America. Any State under the rule of law that respects individual freedoms, and particularly the freedoms of opinion, conscience and expression, relies on a free, independent press that is safe from censorship or coercion.
UN Secretary-General’s Message on World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2018
3 May 2018 : A free press is essential for peace, justice and human rights for all. It is crucial to building transparent and democratic societies and keeping those in power accountable. It is vital for sustainable development.
Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks to Memorial for Winnie Mandela
Thank you for inviting me to share in this special evening. What an honour to be with so many sisters and daughters of Winnie.
Tonight, we celebrate the remarkable journey of a truly remarkable woman.
It is right to do so here in Harlem – because Winnie Mandela came here again and again.
Whenever she travelled here, it was more than just a visit. It was a homecoming. Continue reading
United Nations head in South Africa expresses her sadness over the death of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
Pretoria, South Africa: The United Nations in South Africa joins all South Africans in mourning the death of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela who passed away yesterday.
Affectively known as “MaWinnie” or the Mother of a Nation, the late icon will be remembered for her heroism and dedication in the fight against injustice and oppression during South Africa’s apartheid era and her continued fight against poverty.
Managing migration: why leadership matters
Local women hired to prepare meals to migrants at IOM Transit Center in Agadez, Niger. (Credit: IOM/Amanda Nero)
Louise Arbour, United Nations Special Representative for International Migration, calls on governments negotiating the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration to seize the opportunity for collaboration, whilst demonstrating strong political leadership in explaining the benefits of migration to their people.
Last December, Dimitris Avramopoulos, the EU Commissioner for migration, home affairs and citizenship, writing in Politico, made the courageous, yet obvious and much- needed observation that “It’s time to face the truth. We cannot and never will be able to stop migration”.
Understanding Human Rights
Thembekile Mandla, UNIC Library Intern facilitating group at the UNIC Library during the South African National Human Rights Day
UNIC Pretoria launched 2018 South African Library Week by hosting 67 learners from Tshwane leadership Foundation Community in the UNIC Library on the 21 March 2018 to commemorate Human Rights Day. Human rights may be defined as those rights which are inherent in our nature and without which we cannot live as human being.
The discussion shed more light on the importance of Human rights and responsibilities focusing more on children rights to which every child aspires namely; the rights to be protected from abuse and harm; freedom of religion and thought; rights to be cared for and respected; rights to healthy and enough food; special care and support; rights to a safe clean environment; rights to quality education; to play and have fun; among others.
PRESS RELEASE: United Nations joins South Africans to observer the Human Rights Day
Pretoria, South Africa: The United Nations in South Africa joins all South Africans in commemorating the Human Rights Day (21 March), which is also the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The day was borne when, on that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, against the apartheid “pass laws”.
The Secretary -General’s remarks on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, 21 March 2018
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination commemorates the Sharpeville massacre — the horrific killing of 69 people peacefully demonstrating against apartheid in South Africa.
UN FUN Friday with St Johns Convent School
UN Fun Fridays at the UNIC library with learners from St Johns Convent
Pretoria, 16 March 2018: St Johns Convert was hosted by UNIC Pretoria at the library for an educational outreach program as part of the UN fun Friday. More than 90 students visited the UNIC Pretoria Library with enthusiasm to learn more about the work of the UN in South Africa and across the globe. UNIC team informed the learners about the UN system, activities and programs, and further introduced the learners and their teachers to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The video titled, “The Road to SDGs” was screened for learners who expressed much interest and gave positive feedback on SDGs.
PRESS RELEASE: 12 World Leaders Issue Clarion Call for Accelerated Action on Water
A Fundamental Shift is Needed to Avert Devastating Consequences, Says High Level Panel on Water
New York, 14 March― A High Level Panel on Water consisting of 11 Heads of State and a Special Advisor has issued a New Agenda for Water Action calling for a fundamental shift in the way the world manages water so that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in particular SDG6, can be achieved. This follows a 2-year mandate to find ways to accelerate solutions to the urgent water crisis. Continue reading