In recognition of the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the theme of this year’s International Day of Older Persons is the rights of older persons. Promoting the independence, participation and dignity of older persons has long been on the agenda of the United Nations and is central to implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing.

In many parts of the world, the rights of older persons are violated every day. Older persons often face age discrimination at a workplace. In social environments, they may experience a lack of recognition and respect. They may be deprived of full inclusion and participation in social, economic, cultural and political affairs. Most disturbingly, in many countries, incidences of neglect, abuse and violence against older persons are not at all rare or isolated events. This international day provides an opportunity to reflect on such inequities and to champion the full participation of older persons in society for the benefit of all.

For more information: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/ageing/un_meetings.html

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

17 October

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty will also take on a human rights dimension this year with the theme of human rights and dignity of people living in poverty. The observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty can be traced back to 17 October 1987. On that day, over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadero in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger. They proclaimed that poverty is a violation of human rights and affirmed the need to come together to ensure that these rights are respected. These convictions are inscribed in a commemorative stone unveiled on this day. Since then, people of all backgrounds, beliefs and social origins have gathered every year on 17 October to renew their commitment and show their solidarity with the poor.

For more information: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/social/intldays/IntlDay/2008intlday.html

United Nations Day

24 October

Simply put, it is the birthday of the United Nations. On 24 October 1945, the United Nations was formally established after a majority of its founding members ratified a treaty setting up the world body. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recommending that the day be observed as a public holiday by Member States. Traditionally, it has been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the goals and achievements of the Organization.

For more information: http://www.un.org/events/unday/2007/

World Development Information Day

24 October

The General Assembly instituted World Development Information Day in 1972 with the object of drawing the attention of world public opinion each year to development problems and the necessity of strengthening international co-operation to solve them. The General Assembly also decided that World Development Information Day should coincide, in principle, with United Nations Day to stress the central role of development in the work of the United Nations.