Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is a genetic condition that occurs at conception. While most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes in each of their cells (46 in total), those with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome 21. Like every other human being, people with Down syndrome differ from individual to individual, and have areas of […]
The preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of humankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed […]
Founded in 1982 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) World Organization for the Performing Arts, International Dance Day marks the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810) who is acknowledged as the creator of modern ballet. In 1760, Noverre published a famous treatise entitled Les Lettres sur la Danse et sur les Ballets (Letters on Dance and […]
International Translation Day is to pay tribute to the work of language professionals in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development and strengthening world peace and security. Transposition of a literary or scientific work, including technical work, from one language into another language, professional translation, including translation proper, interpretation and terminology, […]
International shipping, transporting more than 80 per cent of global trade, is the most efficient and cost-effective method of international transportation for most goods. It is dependable and a low-cost means of transporting goods globally, and facilitates commerce and economies. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is responsible for the safety and security of shipping and […]
Across the world, nearly 1 in 4 girls aged 15 to 19 years is neither employed nor in education or training compared to 1 in 10 boys of the same age. By 2021, around 435 million women and girls will be living on less than $1.90 a day. 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced […]
The statistics on poverty are shameful. The World Bank estimates that 9.2% of the world, or 689 million people, live in extreme poverty on $1.90 or less a day. Children and youth account for two-thirds of the world’s poor, and women represent a majority in most regions.Extreme poverty is increasingly concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, and […]
Human Rights Day marks the adoption in 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for the inalienable rights which everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Available in more than 500 languages, […]
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) notes that there is no universally accepted definition for migrant, and that this word is an umbrella term, not defined under international law, reflecting the common lay understanding of a person who moves away from his or her place of usual residence, whether within a country or across an […]