World Radio Day 2016, February 13.

Journée mondiale de la radio, le 13 Février.
Día Mundial de la Radion, 13 de febrero.
世界無線電日, 2月13日.
Всемирный день радио, 13 февраля.
World Radio Day, 13 February.
يوم العالمي للراديو، 13 فبراير

Theme 2016 :  “Radio in Times of Emergency and Disaster”. 
 Thème 2016 « La radio en situation d’urgence et de catastrophe »
Tema 2016 :“La radio en tiempos de desastre y emergencia”,
2016年的主題 “紧急情况和灾难时期的无线电”。
темa 2016 «Роль радио в условиях чрезвычайных ситуаций и гуманитарных катастроф».
موضوع 2016: "دور الإذاعة في حالات الطوارئ والكوارث الإنسانية"


THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL MESSAGE ON WORLD RADIO DAY, 13 February 2016.

In times of crisis and emergency, radio can be a lifeline.

For people in shattered societies, or caught in catastrophe, or desperately seeking news, radio brings lifesaving information.

Radio can help in emergency response operations – and it can assist with rebuilding.

Through community radio, local people can raise their voices and be heard.

This year, as we start carrying out the Sustainable Development Goals, let us resolve to use radio for human progress.

In the lead-up to the World Humanitarian Summit this May, let us find ways for radio to do even more to help people in emergencies.

On this World Radio Day, let us resolve to prove that radio saves lives.

Ban Ki-moon

Message from Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Radio Day 2016
"The role of the radio in humanitarian emergency and disaster situations"
13 February 2016

Humanitarian emergencies and disasters are increasing worldwide, with terrible consequences for human lives, sometimes reducing years of development to dust.

Amidst the ruins and in the face of an emergency, the radio is often the first medium for survival. Its durability is an incomparable advantage, often enabling it to resist shocks and retransmit messages of protection and prevention to as many people as possible, better and faster than other media, saving lives.

Its proximity, simplicity and low cost also make the radio a medium that promotes community living, providing a way to strengthen social ties and ensure people’s participation in humanitarian programmes and the discussions that inform them. Innumerable accounts by victims describe how the radio has enabled separated families to find each other, make contact and regain hope. Community radio is a perfect example of this and must be supported.

The power of the radio also relies on journalists, who are some of the first on the scene to witness events and give a voice to local actors and victims, to raise awareness and mobilize resources, without which there is no effective humanitarian action. They play a crucial role in presenting the facts, avoiding the sensationalism or manipulation of public debate. That is why nothing must call into question the right to be informed or the safety of journalists.

UNESCO has set up early warning systems for tsunamis, floods and droughts, as well as monitoring systems for earthquakes and landslides. The Organization provides worldwide technical assistance for all types of risk. When protected sites

are endangered, UNESCO steps in to save cultural and historical references. At all of these levels, by its ability to inform, relay messages and contribute to debate and reflection, even in times of crisis, the radio is an indispensable ally.

Today, we call upon public authorities and stakeholders in development and humanitarian action to strengthen the links between the radio and emergency response so that the voices of the men and women, victims, rescue workers and journalists, who we hear at such times over the transistor, the mobile phone or the computer, may be the voices of life and hope…

Irina Bokova

Other Statements :

World Radio Day message from Stephen O'Brien, UN humanitarian chief at OCHA.

“Radio in emergency and disaster situations” is the theme for the fifth edition of World Radio Day, to be celebrated on 13 February 2016.

 

Floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, mass nuclear or pollution incidents, health epidemics… according to the 2015 edition of the World Disaster Report, published by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the world is facing an increasing number of disasters that affect a growing number of people. Radio has demonstrated its power in situations of immediate post-disaster, but also in times of preparedness and recovery. Radio airs tsunami alerts in Japan and Chile, messages on how to avoid Ebola transmission in Liberia or Zika contagion in Brazil. This medium (accessible, available, offering real time coverage and reporting, and with the capacity to involve the audience) has a pivotal role in preventing and mitigating disasters and the associated human costs.

 

However, times of disaster can also pose a threat to freedom of expression and right to information. On one hand, because journalists, technicians or reporters in the field can be themselves affected by a tsunami or an earthquake; on the other hand, because the response to a disaster can adversely affect the independence, pluralism and freedom of expression of media in general and radio in particular. It can also hinder the use of the people’s right to information.

 

World Radio Day 2016 will draw people’s attention on the unique role radio plays in times of emergency and disaster and will foster positive initiatives that bring together public, private and community radio and humanitarian NGOs.

 

FORUM : World Radio Day - February 13


Radio is a powerful medium before, during and after an emergency or a disaster. Radio helps to provide dignity to survivors and vulnerable people, including in refugee camps.

Sub-Theme

1. Radio empowers survivors and vulnerable people, whose right to privacy is to be respected.
2. Radio frequencies should be protected in times of emergency.
3. Radio has social impact and provides access to information. People’s right to information should be protected.
4. Freedom of expression and journalists’ safety should be disaster-proof
5. Radio saves lives

World Radio Day 2016 : Listen Live!

EVENTS : World Radio Day 2016 event near you

On 13 February, international broadcasters will broadcast live on UNESCO’s dedicated website, www.worldradioday.org.
Through National Commissions for UNESCO Field Offices and partner organisations, World Radio Day will be celebrated worldwide. UNESCO will also provide copyright free articles, audio and video messages from opinion leaders, celebrities, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors related to radio for use by broadcasters on World Radio Day.
UNESCO invites all countries to celebrate World Radio Day by planning activities in partnership with regional, national and international broadcasters, non-governmental organizations, national authorities, the media and the public

The community lead WRD 2016 events are listed below.

Hundreds of local events will be organized by UNESCO field offices and partners.

Key partners in World Radio Day include France Médias Monde –with the French public radio Radio France Internationale and the Arabic station Monte Carlo Doualiya, MCD–, leading private Spanish radio Cadena SER (Prisa) and web-radio station provider Saooti.com.

On February 13 an exclusive 19 hours' broadcast, produced by RFI (French), MCD (Arabic) and Cadena Ser (Spanish), will be aired on worldradioday.org. Additional RFI broadcasts will be in Russian, English and Chinese

RESOURCES :

• 15 ideas that radio stations, humanitarian and non-government organisations and individuals can do for World Radio Day 2016.
• BBC Media Action Resource: Communication with Crisis-Affected People
• Official World Radio Day 2016 poster
• 2016 Infographic with information on Radio in Times of Emergency and Disaster.
• UNESCO World Radio Day 2016 interviews.
• UNESCO emergency blackout song contest on World Radio Day.
• Information on hate speech and the Hate Speech 5 Point Test.
•  A media campaign for Tolerance in Journalism.

Key Messages to explore on or around World Radio Day

1. In times of emergency and disaster, radio remains active and close to the people most affected. It provides a unique way of reuniting loved ones and can help alleviate the concerns of people affected by a disaster in real time.
2. Emergencies and disasters weaken people and break social links. Populations tend to believe in various unverified rumours about looting, social unrest and lawlessness, which radio can rectify or exacerbate. A disproportionate emphasis on social disorder by media can reinforce the discourse calling for greater control and restriction of basic freedoms.
3. Radio aids humanitarian workers and decision-makers by framing the disaster authentically and fostering informed attitudes to such interventions.
4. Respecting people’s privacy and dignity remains paramount for ethical media coverage.
5. Pluralistic reporting of major crises or disasters is vital to respect thedignity of survivors, maintaining their spirit of equity and justice - wherever or whatever the disaster is, all human lives are equal. Hate speech has no place in the covering of emergency situations

Check out the "Radio in a Box" initiative to find out how radio can empower and bring dignity to refugees in camps

54.2 million people are displaced of which 14.5 million are refugees

Radio is the most accessible medium including amongst disadvantaged groups for key information

There is 51,000 Radio Station Worldwide

Protect Radio frequences 

 

International Day of Peace, September 21st

Международный день мира, 21 сентября.
国际和平日, 9月21日.
International Day of Peace, September 21.
Día Internacional de la Paz., 21 de Septiembre
Journée internationale de la paix, 21 Septembre.
  أيلول/سبتمبر21، باليوم الدولي للسلام

What does Peace mean for you?

тема 2014 : «Право народов на мир».
2014年主題 : «人民享有和平权利»
tema 2014 : «Derecho de los Pueblos a la Paz »
Theme 2014 « Le droit des peuples à la paix »
حق الشعوب في السلم :  موضوع 2014

International Day of Peace 2014 - Video message by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

To mark the 30th anniversary of the General Assembly Declaration on the Right of Peoples to Peace, the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace is the “Right of Peoples to Peace”. This anniversary offers a unique opportunity to reaffirm the United Nations commitment to the purposes and principles upon which the Organization was founded.
The Declaration on the Right of Peoples to Peace recognizes that the promotion of peace is vital for the full enjoyment of all human rights.

Message from the United Nations Secratary-General on the occasion of the International Day of Peace 2014.

 Today is the International Day of Peace.

Each year, on this day, the United Nations calls for a global ceasefire.
We ask combatants to put down their arms so all can breathe the air of peace.
Armed conflict causes untold grief to families, communities and entire countries.

Too many are suffering today at the brutal hands of warmongers and terrorists.
Let us stand with them in solidarity.
Peace and security are essential foundations for social progress and sustainable development.

That is why, three decades ago, the United Nations affirmed the right of peoples to peace.
Throughout the coming year, we will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the United Nations.
Our organisation is founded on the pledge to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.
We have made much progress.
But much remains to be done.
We must douse the fires of extremism and tackle the root causes of conflict.

Peace is a long road that we must travel together – step by step, beginning today.
Let us all observe a minute of silence, at noon.
Let us all reflect on peace – and what it means for our human family.
Let us hold it in our hearts and minds and tenderly nurture it so it may grow and blossom. 

Ban Ki-moon

 Message from the President of the United Nations General Assembly on the International Day of Peace 2014.

PEACE BELL CEREMONY
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
FRIDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2014

Excellencies,
Mr. Secretary-General,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to participate in the Peace Bell Ceremony this morning, a time honored tradition in celebration of the International Day of Peace.
Thirty years ago, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Peoples to Peace, reaffirming that the aspiration for peace is universal among all peoples and that every human being should have a right to live in a peaceful environment.
As the Peace Bell rings today, belligerents across the world are called upon to lay down their weapons and observe a day of ceasefire.
We are called upon to turn our attention to the plight of populations caught in the grip of war, living in fear and uncertainty. We are reminded of the lives lost, property destroyed, families and communities torn apart and development efforts disrupted.

Today, we should recommit our efforts towards the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the building of lasting peace. This organization was founded to rid our world of the scourge of war. It is our duty and collective responsibility to promote tolerance, dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes.

Excellencies,
Peace is a prerequisite for the achievement of sustainable development. Therefore, on this International Day of Peace, let us rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of peace across the world. May the ringing of the Peace Bell today send a message of peace and hope that resonates loud and clear across the world. The people afflicted by the scourge of violent conflict deserve to live in peace. As Dag Hammarskjold stated sixty years ago, "The pursuit of peace and progress cannot end in a few years in either victory or defeat.
The pursuit of peace and progress, with its trials and its errors, its successes and its setbacks, can never be relaxed and never abandoned."

I thank you for your attention.

John W. Ashe

Resources :

• High-level Forum on Culture of Peace (9 September 2014)
• United Nations and the Nobel Peace Prize
•  Messengers of Peace
•  Peace and Security : United Nations News Centre
• Global Peace Index 2014  : QUANTIFYING PEACE AND ITS BENEFITS.

Forum  : Join the discussions on the  International Day of Peace - September 21.

 The 2014 Global Peace Index score deteriorated slightly for the sixth year in a row continuing to record a gradual slide in global peacefulness since 2008.

2014 GLOBAL PEACE INDEX report

For 2014, five out of the nine geographical regions experienced an improvement in peace and, among those that became less peaceful, substantial changes in the Index were only seen in two: sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), which continues to suffer from the political aftermath of the Arab Spring. Yet again, Europe maintained its position as the most peaceful region in the world, supported by a lack of domestic and external conflicts. The largest improvement, however, was seen in what nevertheless remains the world’s most violent region, South Asia, which includes Afghanistan. In terms of societal safety and security, an improvement in the relative number of jailed population was coupled with a deterioration in the level of violent crime.

The perception of criminality in society deteriorated accordingly. Aside from sub-Saharan Africa, where criminality is often fuelled by ethnic strife and political unrest, Latin America clearly remained the world’s most violent region in terms of crime, as highlighted by its poor results in most related categories, particularly in Central America and the Caribbean, where many of the world’s highest homicide rates can be found. Generally lower (better) scores were also seen in political instability and political terror although it is notable that the former category deteriorated slightly in Europe, which over the past few years has suffered from austerity-driven dissatisfaction and unrest. Meanwhile, the political terror score also improved or remained static in all regions except sub-Saharan Africa, which points to less widespread use of state repression on a global scale. This bodes well for the gradual consolidation of democratic institutions in some of the world’s more fragile states, although higher likelihood of violent demonstrations in many regions stands out as a latent risk.

Finally, the number of refugees and displaced persons rose during the past year, exacerbated by internal conflict in the Middle East and North Africa primarily, but also in certain Latin American countries, notably Colombia and Haiti. In the case of Colombia, a potential peace plan between government and FARC rebels offers hope of an end to one of the region’s most long-standing conflicts. With regards to domestic and international conflict, a fall in the number of deaths from organised external conflict was offset by a rise in those originating from internal conflict, triggered primarily by a small number of severe crises in key global hotspots. In the case of sub-Saharan Africa, this was largely driven by the outbreak of ethnic warfare in South Sudan, Central African Republic and Mali, which although internal in origin has impacted relations with neighbouring countries as well as foreign powers (in the last two cases resulting in French military intervention).

The Middle East and North Africa also performed poorly in the relevant categories as a result of the added international dimension of the Syrian civil war, which, during 2013, came close to involving military operations by the Western powers before an agreement was reached to dismantle Syria’s chemical-weapons arsenal. The ousting of president Mohammed Morsi and the violence that preceded and followed it also resulted in Egypt dragging down the region’s scores significantly; in fact, the Middle East and North Africa was the only region in the world not to see an improvement in at least one of the five of the indicators that comprise the domestic and international conflict dimension (it worsened in four).

Elsewhere, the main flare-up has been the ongoing crisis between Russia and the Ukraine, which was triggered by the Euromaidan protests in November 2013 and later escalated into a Russian military intervention in the Crimea. Aside from incidents in these three regions, however, there was very little in the way of international conflict during the past year, one which saw no major war between states. Nevertheless, tense relationships between the two Koreas, concerns over China’s growing military assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region, and the everpresent possibility that the Russia-Ukraine standoff could escalate into all out military conflict suggest these as a potential hotspots for conflict in the future.

Lastly, the militarisation domain was characterised by a widespread reduction in the number of armed services personnel. This was contrasted by an overall rise in military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in three key regions; Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and (especially) the Middle East and North Africa. The arms trade also saw a fall in inter-European transfers (both exports and imports), but the flow of Russian arms to the Middle East and Asia-Pacific continued. Much of this has been sent to support Syrian government forces against the rebels which, in contrast, have received much lower quantities of weaponry from the West. A major positive development has been the decrease in nuclear and heavy weapons capabilities. This trend has been most evident in some of the world’s most militarized regions such as Europe, Russia and Eurasia, and the Middle East and North Africa, although in the latter case this was partly due to losses incurred by Syrian government forces in the civil war.

This broad improvement, however, may prove to be short-lived if there is greater impetus for rearmament among NATO countries as a result of Russian aggression. This would be particularly evident in some of the NATO states bordering (or close to) Russia itself but could also affect core countries like Germany which over the past few years have trimmed down their armed forces and stocks of heavy weaponry.

For more information visit http://www.economicsandpeace.org/

The Right of Peoples to Peace

Ban Ki-moon - Peace bell ceremony, International Day of Peace 2014

19 Sep 2014 - Remarks by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the peace bell ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Peace 2014. Remarks

Sam Kahamba Kutesa - Peace bell ceremony, International Day of Peace 2014

19 Sep 2014 - Remarks by Sam Kahamba Kutesa, President of the United Nations General Assembly’s sixty-ninth session at the peace bell ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Peace 2014. 

Peace Bell Ceremony on the occasion of the International Day of Peace 2014

The 2014 theme – The Right of Peoples to Peace – marks the 30th anniversary of the General Assembly Declaration on the Right of Peoples to Peace. This anniversary offers a unique opportunity to reaffirm the Declaration’s central message that humanity’s sustainable progress and the realization of fundamental rights and freedoms depend on peace and security.

 

Ban Ki-moon - Student Observance on the occasion of the International Day of Peace 2014.

19 Sep 2014 - Remarks by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the opening of the Student Observance on the occasion of the International Day of Peace 2014 "The Right of Peoples to Peace"