First Nelson Mandela Int’l Day tomorrow

The first Nelson Mandela International Day falls on next Sunday.

The day has been designated by the United Nations General Assembly in a resolution adopted by consensus in November 2009. The 192 member world body called for commemorations every year starting in 2010 on July 18 -Mandela’s birthday’ to recognize former South African President’s contribution to resolving conflict and promoting race relations, human rights and reconciliation, states a United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) release.

Nelson Mandela who is regarded as the father of the new South Africa, after 27 years of imprisonment under the then Apartheid Government emerged to forge reconciliation with his oppressors and to lead the country peacefully through the transition from a 46 years era of racial segregation.

By adopting the resolution, General Assembly President Ali Treki said the international community was expressing its appreciation for “a great man” who suffered for the sake of people everywhere.

Mandela, 92, led the fight against apartheid in South Africa as Head of the African National Congress’ armed wing. He was convicted of sabotage and other crimes and served 27 years in prison.

When he was freed in 1990, he supported reconciliation and helped lead South Africa’s transition towards multi-racial democracy.

Mandela became the country’s first President to win a fully democratic election and led South Africa from 1994-1999.

He is celebrated as an international statesman and continues to speak out on human rights and other global issues.

The General assembly resolution also recognizes 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.

Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, in his message to mark the first Nelson Mandela Day, says that Nelson Mandela is a towering figure who embodied the highest value of humanity and of the United Nations.

“His life his strength and his decency are an example to us all. He fought his oppressors for years.

And then, he forgave them,” the Secretary General observes.