INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY

"As budgets tighten, we are seeing austerity measures that discriminate against migrant workers, xenophobic rhetoric that encourages violence against irregular migrants, and proposed immigration laws that allow the police to profile migrants with impunity. During economic downturns, it is worth remembering that whole sectors of the economy depend on migrant workers and migrant entrepreneurs help to create jobs." /Ban Ki-moon/

18^th of December was proclaimed as the International Migrants Day in the year 2000. This day aims to recognize the efforts, contributions and rights of migrants. It is undeniable the weight the day carries, hence United Nations (UN) called upon the whole world to commemorate this day by sharing information on human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants.

Figures show that throughout the years, migration has amplified in numbers, with 2013 recording 232 million migrants worldwide compared with 175 million in 2000 and 154 million in 1990. The increase between the year 2000 and 2013 shows that as we advance in time so does the movement of people across the globe. The top three most migrated places are the United States of America which hosts the largest number of 45.8 million, followed by the Russian Federation with 11 million, and Germany harboring 9.8 million migrants.

Young people are the most affected by migration and they make up the largest migrant group that accounts to 35 million of the total 232 million migrants worldwide. It has been observed that among this 35 million, there are more males than females.

At the 13th Melaka International Youth Dialogue (MIYD), there was a focus on prioritizing the right to freedom of movement for/ among youth, as one of their fundamental rights. During the dialogue, key stakeholders shared their  ideas and thoughts towards agreeing in efforts of educating, promoting and raising awareness regarding youth migration, at different levels of society.

It is upon all of us to undertake action to ensure the protection of migrants. Happy International Migrants Day!

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: “20 YEARS: WORKING FOR YOUR RIGHTS”

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.― United Nations, Universal Declaration of Human Rights

What would become of the world without humanity? The results would be shattering and beyond comprehension.  This year we celebrate 20 years since the inauguration of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). In December 1993 the United Nations General Assembly formulated the mandate of High Commissioner to safeguard and promote all human rights. It is today that we emphasize on informing our communities on their rights and privileges and the prominence of maintaining them.

Special focus should be made most on the most vulnerable sectors of our societies. The OHCHR has been a thriving in its efforts to benefit vulnerable groups worldwide over the past 20 years. It did a tremendous job working to advocate women rights, migrant rights, the rights of indigenous people and minorities, and the rights of children. Through the implementation of treaties, individual complaints and promotion of freedom expression the OHCHR has managed to bring human rights issues to the forefront in development matters. 

World Assembly of Youth (WAY) recognize the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the basis of  action and services. It is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights. WAY ensures that young people understand that whatever their place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other status, they are all equally entitled to human rights without discrimination. 

Let us continue in our efforts to create more awareness by allocating more academic programs for human rights and let us encourage the participation of more international non- governmental organizations on matters related to human rights.Happy Human Rights Day!

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS DAY FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: “YOUNG. GLOBAL. ACTIVE”

‘Volunteers are not paid – not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.Sherry Anderson

Volunteerism remains the backbone to progress within society. The efforts and endeavors of young volunteers today, are fundamental to attaining the aspirations to a better tomorrow.The 5th of December was particularly chosen to show appreciation to the voluntary deeds of many, and encourage acts of benevolence within society in pursuit of a world free of opportunism and rich in compassion, selflessness and generosity. 

This year in accordance to the theme, young people are celebrated as agents of change within their communities and globally. 

World Assembly of Youth (WAY) joins the many other organizations in celebrating WAY Volunteers as well as the masses of young people engaging in selfless acts worldwide. Volunteers deserve all the praise and acclaim due, for it is not easy to find people willing to give their own time, to the greater benefit of another. WAY aspires to nurture youth volunteerism, by encouraging young people to partake in communal service and promote the principles of charity. They have inaugurated a volunteers program with which we seek to foster a dedicated group of young minds, willing to assist in WAY programmes and initiatives around the world. In so many ways we wouldn’t have succeeded in our events and activities without our dedicated volunteers who offered their time, skills, and resources when called upon. WAY appreciates volunteerism, the world appreciates volunteerism.

Happy International Volunteers Day!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: "BREAK BARRIERS, OPEN DOORS: FOR AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY AND DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL "

"A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your Strengths; feels your fears but Fortifies your faith; sees your Anxieties but frees your spirit; Recognizes your disabilities but Emphasizes your possibilities - William Arthur Ward "

The 3rd of December has been picked out by the United Nations to celebrate over one Billion people who live with some form of disability. This day has been commemorated since 1992. The theme for this year, "Break Barriers, Open Doors: An Inclusive Society For Development And For All "addresses how persons with disabilities face physical, social, Economic and Attitudinal barriers That exempt them from taking part fully and Effectively as equal members of society worldwide.

Many people living with disabilities around the world, Remain Marginalized and Lack equal access to basic necessities, color: such as education, employment, healthcare and social and legal support systems. They suffer from higher rates of mortality and most of them live below the poverty line due to being subject to exclusion and Lack of Opportunities. 

In spite of this situation, disability has remained Largely invisible in the mainstream development agenda and itsprocesses. World Assembly of Youth stand for equality for all regardless of who they are.That is why it is essentials to Emphasize the Importance of Including young disabled people in society alldevelopmental plans. 

We believe Opportunities Should be given to all without being biased. We hope that today will pave way for further Awareness of disability to be raised and for accessibility to be put in place. We have to Ensure That all types of barriers are removed, and to Emphasize the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in society and shape the future of development for all. Let us use this global observance to reflect on the theme and what we Ought to do so that we see a difference tomorrow. 

WORLD AIDS DAY: "GETTING TO ZERO: ZERO NEW HIV INFECTIONS. ZERODISCRIMINATION. ZERO AIDS-RELATED DEATHS"

“We live in a completely interdependent world, which simply means we cannot escape each other. How we respond to AIDS depends, in part, on whether we understand this interdependence. It is not someone else’s problem. This is everybody’s problem.” /Bill Clinton/ 

Of all the age groups young people are the most affected by the AIDS pandemic especially girls in the Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2012 alone an estimate of 35.3 million people were living with HIV with Sub-Saharan Africa being the most affected with 69% of the people in the area living with HIV. 

The 1st of December has been selected to commemorate World AIDS Day yearly since 1988. The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day continues to be "Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths” a theme that speaks not only to the progress that has been made in the worldwide effort to eliminate HIV/AIDS, but also the work we must continue to do to achieve our “zero” goals. This theme seeks all stakeholders to work together as one and share responsibility towards the fight against HIV/AIDS. Halting and reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS is a key Millennium Development Goal and a challenge that the World Assembly of Youth (WAY) has given principal priority in all its development activities. 

 

Adopting a multi-sectorial approach that solicits committed participation of all stakeholders in the fight against HIV /AIDS has been and remains a high priority for action throughout all our work from both behind the office desks to the field.  It is the time to work hand in hand and build defenses to save our future generations and to protect the people infected and affected by the epidemic. Let all acknowledge this challenge and commit to respond with renewable responsibility, sensitivity and vigor.We should not let all our past efforts to combat this disease go to waste; it is only a matter of time for us to achieve our goal. 

Like President Barrack Obama said, “An AIDS-free generation is within our reach”, we need not despair. 

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: ‘ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: UNITED ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS!’

"One in three women may suffer from abuse and violence in her lifetime. This is an appalling human rights violation, yet it remains one of the invisible and under-recognized pandemics of our time.” –Nicole Kidman 

Stop and observe your surroundings; your neighbors, your friends or your relatives! You will be surprised to find out that the closest females around you might be victims of violence. Violence against women is blind-folded; it victimizes without discrimination regardless of their geographical, economic, cultural, social or even educational boundaries. This violence is done in all kinds of ways from sexual harassment, rape, genital mutilation, domestic violence, forced marriage to any type of human rights violation that denies both women’s basic freedoms and rights. 

The widespread of violence against women appears to be uncontrollable causing it to be brought up as a major concern of most nations. Globally, up to 70 percent of women are subject to one kind of violence. Simplifying that statistical number, every 7 out of 10 women worldwide are exposed to the risks of being raped, abused, beaten or mutilated. For the case of genital mutilation itself, approximation of 100-140 million girls and women are victims of this inhumane practice. 

Realizing these devastating phenomena, United Nations has specially marked 25th November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Commemorating it annually, United Nations aims to raise public awareness regarding the corrosive consequences of violence against women by encouraging governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and societies to contribute in activities that have a single purpose of eliminating violence against women through projects that can help women to escape from violence-behavior or simply educational campaigns. 

For further exploitation of the motive for halting violence against women, 25thNovember also marks the start of ’16 Days of Activism’ ending on December 10 which is also celebrated every year as Human Rights Day. 

World Assembly of Youth (WAY), have been holding tight on two main missions which are, eliminating gender-inequality and ending violence against women. At the  9thMelaka International Youth Dialogue (MIYD), ‘Youth and Gender Equality’ was one of  the successful activities aimed at  promoting gender equality of opportunities and eliminating unlawful discrimination as well as gender-based harassments .

It is believed that women empowerment is the key to call gender-based violence to halt .Governments should provide more opportunities for women in terms of political, economic, social and even educational aspects to ensure that equality in opportunities is achieved. Laws, policies and any regulations should be reviewed and reconstructed by repealing any section that pose as a threat to discriminate against women. In fact, the support toward women-empowerment could be started at the smallest colony of societies, the family. 

Conducive environment in the family is equally substantial to build up the confidence and breaking down the ‘invisible gender-boundaries’ amongst family-members. By empowering women and girls, they will not be misjudged as subdued targets; instead their status will be upheld by society. Through unity we can stop violence against Women. 

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN! 

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PREVENTING THE EXPLOITATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN WAR AND ARMED CONFLICT: ‘ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE’

What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another.” -  Mahatma Gandhi 

Our earth, with all of its beauty and sumptuousness, has been a home for human beings and other living creatures for over a billion years.Known as the most remarkable planet because of its rich resources, Earth never fails to provide and sustain the lives within it.Unfortunately, as said by Mahatma Gandhi, “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed”, we humans remain known for our siphoning of natural resources without considering environmental sustainability. 

According to history, the depletion and damage of our earth and its environment have been highly related to events of war and armed conflict. The environment and natural resources alike have been both the reason, and victim of war and armed conflict. A study conducted by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), found that at least 40 percent of conflicts have been driven by the exploitation of natural resources such as gold, oil, and even spices. Forests and crops are normally burned down, water-sources are polluted, soils are poisoned and animals are killed for the sake of gaining military advantage.Understanding the correlation between environmental exploitation and armed conflict, 6th November was declared as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict which serves a purpose of educating and bringing awareness to the damaging effects of war and armed conflict. 

World Assembly of Youth (WAY),supports this year theme of ‘Environmental Governance’ and believe it is one of the solutions towards preventing further depletion of our natural resources as well as promoting both peace keeping and building strategies.Going forward, an insufficiency of natural resources poses a detrimental threat to the human-civilization and its sustainability. A global understanding on the matter is thus instrumental to achieving environmental sustainability and ensuring the longevity of the human population. The implementation of Environmental Governance especially at international level, equipped with cooperation from all countries and preservation of natural resources can be achieved.Distributive management of resources should be followed to control functions of every country’s access. Peace building should be established and every country must respect mutual relations as both producers and consumers of natural resources.

Niger Holds World’sHighest ChildhoodPregnancy Rate, Says UN

20,000 girls below the age of 18 who give birth every day in developing- countries make them and the countries they live in to face economic disadvantages, a UN report said on Wednesday. The report said that it made them face much higher health risks than older mothers. Every year, 7.3 million children become mothers in developing countries, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), said in its annual report that was launched in several cities, including Geneva.

Some 70,000 mothers between 15 and 19 die from complications after birth each year. Having children at a young age prevents girls from entering the workforce. If girls waited until the age of 20 before having babies, the gross annual income would be boosted by more than 7.7 billion dollars in India and 3.5 billion dollars in Brazil, the report found.

At the same time UNFPA Chief- Babatunde Osotimehin stressed that poverty was an important cause of childhood pregnancies,along with- discrimination against women. “Too often, society blames only the girl for getting pregnant,’’ he said.“The reality is that adolescent pregnancy is most often not the result of a deliberate choice, but rather the absence of choices, and of circumstances beyond a girl’s control.”

The report said Niger had the world’s highest childhood pregnancy rate, with 51 per cent of women in their 20s reporting that they gave birth before turning 18. In Asia, Bangladesh has the highest rate at 40 per cent. In other regions Nicaragua holds the record in Latin America at 28 per cent and Yemen in the Middle East at 25 per cent. The U.S. accounts for half of the annual 680,000 teenage pregnancies in industrialized countries, the UNFPA said.(NAN)

UNITED NATIONS DAY: PARTNERSHIPS FOR GLOBAL PROGRESS

“More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face it together. And that, my friends, is why we have the United Nations.”/Kofi Annan/

Picture a world void of the United Nations (UN); a global community possibly characterised by heightened international conflict, chaos and turmoil. Without the intervention of the United Nations, one might argue that the principles of Freedom, Human Rights, Democracy and Justice, might be perceived as less significant over the individualistic ideologies of many.

Founded in 1945, post-World War II, the UN has worked continuously towards defending and protecting the sovereignty of all nations, large and small. Instigated in 1948, 24th October was then declared the anniversary of the founding of UN’s charter and remains to be known as United Nations Day.It is a day devoted to making known the work, role and achievements of the UN and its family of specialized agencies. These have been spectacular, particularly in the fields of human rights, support in areas of famine, eradication of disease, promotion of health and settlement of refugees.Today, we live in societies where justice, equality in human rights and peace are highly sought and advocated for. 

This indeed, may be seen as a direct result of the UN’s hard work, but more importantly, the contribution of the citizens of the world who choose to observe and support them. As told by former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, “In the 21st century, I believe the mission of the United Nations will be defined by a new, more profound awareness of the sanctity and dignity of every human life, regardless of race or religion.

World Assembly of Youth believe that global partnerships remain key to the vitality and continuity of the global community. In line with the 68th anniversary of UN Day, we urge you all, to continue thriving towards actualizing the missions set by the UN, within your own communities and on a national level, to the benefit of the global community.For the valiant and determined young people out there, we urge you to continue spreading the spirit of volunteerism and collaboration helping out where you may and urging your peers to do the same. Let us today, transform ourselves into the extended hand of the UN, reaching out to those in need and thriving for the future they deserve.

HAPPY UNITED NATIONS DAY!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DISASTER REDUCTION: Living with Disability and Disaster

Today was selected by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness on the importance of Disaster Risk Reduction and to encourage every citizen and government to take part in building more disaster-resilient communities and nations. This year the theme focuses on a vulnerable population of the society, persons living with disability.

Estimated at 15%, people living with disability make up a large portion of the world population. In an event of a disaster, persons with disabilities are often the ones affected the most due to neglect of their special needs. Disaster does not see the ability or disability among the people and when it strikes it does so without discriminating. Even though the risk of disaster is equal among all people, able people can cope with the disaster better than disabled people.

People living with disabilities have a plight that they are not reached out to in the event of a disaster. In the case of a sudden disaster alert, only 20% of disabled people can escape without any problem, 74% need a little assistance and the remaining 6% cannot escape at all unless they are fully aided.

However, if there was ample communication before hand, the statistics of those who can escape without difficulty almost doubles.

World Assembly of Youth (WAY) believes that communication is the key to solving this issue. There is a need for awareness among societies on how to handle disabled people when disaster occurs. Young volunteers can be utilized during this time to help those in need. We urge the youth to be on the forefront in giving aid all the way from the communication stage, they should be the voice and ears for the disabled at all times.

We urge governments and responsible bodies to ensure that warnings reach all members of the community regardless of any mobility or communication challenges. They need to include persons with disabilities in disaster resilience initiatives and policy planning.

People with disabilities are resourceful agents of change.Happy International Day For Disaster Reduction!

NYSC BAGS UN AWARD

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme has bagged a UN award for its active participation in a recent offline survey conducted by the international body. Alhaji Abdulwahab Obomeile, the Director, Community Development Service and Special Projects Department of the corps,made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja at the award ceremony. He said that the award; ``My World: A Global Survey For Citizens’’, was an initiative from the UN, which is an options survey carried out through creative Online and Offlinemethods. ``It allows people across the world to tell the UN in particular and the Secretary-General’s High Level Panel, the most important issues they would like the Post-2015 agenda to address after the expiration of MDGs agenda,’’ he said.

He added that the NYSC in Nigeria, using the Corps Volunteers of NYSC MDGs Advocacy Programme, was actively engaged in the offline survey, which took place across the country in March. ``We partnered with the UN Millennium Campaign Nigeria, OSSAP-MDGs and CISLAC, and engaged over 1,000 youth corps members as field volunteers to administer the questionnaires in the 774 local government areas in Nigeria,’’ he added. He said the survey was structured to capture two persons per 100 households in each of the 774 local government areas.

``The total number of the votes came to 145,672 citizens, 67.2 percent of which were rural dwellers, 45.5 percent were youths and 46.5 werefemale. ``It is worthy of note that some of these areas face security challenges and cultural barriers where women are not allowed to express themselves, but the Field Volunteers worked around these situations,’’ he said.

Obomeile saluted the resilience and hard work of the corps members who remained committed and resolute in carrying out the exercise within five days. Also speaking, Hilary Ogbonna, the National Coordinator, UN Millennium Campaign, Nigeria,said the MDGs had made a huge impact on the lives of many Nigerians.``But there is still much more to be done to address extreme poverty,diseases and environmental crises among many others,’’ he said.

Responding, the NYSC Director General, Brig.-Gen. Nnamdi Okore-Affia, said he was most excited to receive the award on behalf of the NYSC. ``I am dedicating this award to Mr President, the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, NYSC Staff and the entire corps members nationwide, who worked assiduously to merit this award,’’ he said.

Source-NANS

Nigeria To Regulate Social Media Use

The Bureau of Public Enterprises has said it’s preparing to roll out a lawful framework for the regulation of the social media in Nigeria.

Director General of the privatization agency, Mr. Benjamin Dikki frowned at the unregulated publishing of just what he called offending materials on the numerous social networking
sites.

According to Dikki, this strategy was in line with BPE’s reform mandate to start essential policies and the legal framework for the regulation of the social networks in the country. “As it now obtains, all manner of things are uploaded on the various platforms of the social media without recourse to age and sensibilities of the users. This is not good enough” he said.

Social media laws are strictly adhered to in developed countries, with offenders facing sanctions or even jail terms, but it is uncertain if
there are any laws guiding what happen on social media in Nigeria, and if there are, they are hardly enforced.

http://www.informationng.com/2013/09/nigeria-to-regulate-social-media-use.html

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war - Maria Montessori (1870 - 1952)

We live in a world where selfishness, thirst for power and conflicts emerge on a daily basis and peace is a universal dream we all hope to achieve one day.

Various stakeholders have come up with many possible solutions and ways to bring the world together and to establish peace among nations, and among people.

United Nations in its devotion to achieve World Peace, created International Day of Peace which is celebrated on 21st September annually to commemorate and spread the ideals of peace among all nations and people. As an organization that worked for decades in support of a peaceful world for the young generation, World Assembly of Youth (WAY) has been contributing by defending youth rights.

In light with that, the theme for this International Day of Peace,Education for Peace has drawn a lot of attention from WAY because we believe education is a key to a bright future and can open many doors for young people. Through education, the concepts of solidarity, mutual respect and tolerance can be embroidered in the hearts of youth and with these qualities, a ground for peace can easily be set.

In addition, we also believe that instillation of peace-based values should start from an early age. It is believed that through children, peace can be attained. Albert Einstein shares these same sentiments as he once stated,we must begin to inoculate our children against militarism by educating them...I would rather teach peace than war, love rather than hate.

WAY would like to embrace the International Day of Peace by reiterating our mission of implanting the peace-culture amongst our youth. We believe it is necessary to include peace-education in formal academic-curriculum; it can also be initiated as early as possible from the home front. Parents are advised to construct a sound atmosphere where children can clearly feel and learn the value of tolerance and mutual respects not only towards family-members but also to the general members of society. Parents should also be their children's role models by embracing and practicing a peace-culture in their daily lives.

We encourage young people to show their contribution by setting examples for their peers on how to properly apply the values of tolerance and mutual respect in creating the perfect peace that our world and its population are craving for. We believe that one's single smile is capable of turning others entire day brighter; now, imagine what respect and tolerance can do for our world!

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE!

http://www.way.org.my/

THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY: ‘STRENGTHENING VOICES FOR DEMOCRACY: TO UNDERSTAND, TO EMBRACE AND TO INFLUENCE’

“Democracy arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects; because men are equally free, they claim to be absolutely equal.” – Aristotle

According to preamble of resolution of International Day of Democracy, Democracy is defined as ‘a universal value based on the freely-expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of life’. In other words, Democracy simply is from people, by people and for people; People are its only possible spark and drive!

After the meaning of Democracy has been well understood, one has to embrace it in his or her heart because the heart is the greatest root and motivation of man’s actions. This concept is also in line with what has been taught by Mahatma Gandhi, ‘the spirit of democracy is not a mechanical thing to be adjusted by abolition of forms. It requires change of heart’. Once, Democracy is embraced in the heart, it is then possible for one to effectively influence others to believe in the value of Democracy and desire to its existence in their daily lives.

It is undeniable that every citizen dreams to live in a country where equally free opportunities are not only a vision but a factual realization. In order to realize these opportunities, there is a need for responsibility and mutual respect among one another. Democracy offers elements of freedom opportunities, responsibilities and respect. The ability of each individual to voice out how they prefer to be governed is the central principle of democracy.

In light of this year theme of ‘Strengthening Voices for Democracy’ which aims to emphasize the importance of people’s voices in today’s political, economic, social, environmental, technological and developmental matters, WAY(World Assembly of Youth), feel inspired to combine and integrate the concept of ‘To understand, To embrace and To influence’ as a stimulant in strengthening voices for democracy, especially if it involves young generation.

INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY: ‘LITERACIES FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Approximately, more than 774 million of the world's adults (nearly two-thirds of whom are women) do not know how to read or write, and roughly 123 million children lack those same skills, and are often denied any access to education. Put simply, one in five adults is still not literate and two-thirds of them are women.

60.7 million children are out-of-school and many more attend irregularly or drop out.The 8th of September every year is set aside by the United Nations to recognize International Literacy Day.

Since 1966, UNESCO has celebrated the day as a reminder to the world that literacy is a basic human right and even more essential to social and economic development. This year’s theme is “Literacies for the 21st Century”, which aims to highlight the importance of literacy in the century of globalization, and the lack there of in many a country.

In order to promote the importance of literacy within society, several
initiatives have been put in place
including; the United Nations Literacy Decade and the LIFE initiative, both of which offer a framework for UNESCO to advocate for literacy. However, addressing the global literacy challenge remains difficult. As such, we at the World Assembly of Youth, call upon you, the youth, to be the instigators of change and the leaders of this battle against illiteracy within society. Many young people and refugees migrate thousands of miles in pursuit of the opportunity to receive a decent education. We urge you to be the facilitators of this
opportunity and the architects of a
future free of illiteracy, and with
strong grounds for literacy as a basic right.

At the coming 13th annual Melaka
International Youth Dialogue (MIYD) programme themed “Youth Migration: A Step from Haven”. One of the key issues being addressed at this dialogue is youth migration in search of better education and the duty of key stakeholders to address the causal factors of this form of migration as well as promoting basic standards for education and
educational facilities in every country.

The struggle for literacy as a basic
human right and necessity, is not
something that can be achieved in a
single day. It is an initiative that requires all citizens of the world to
play a significant role and contribution. That contribution begins with you, and remains your
responsibility to ensure that action is being taken within your community, to promote literacy.

Happy International Literacy Day

Still on Microsoft Windows XP?

While Windows XP is no longer the most used operating system on the planet – Windows 7 surpassed it last year – the upcoming April 2014 deadline to receive support for older Windows XP devices raises the question for many businesses of what to do with their older technology as they look to protect valuable IP and customer information. Business and personal technology has dramatically changed over the last decade. PC desktops are now commonly found side by side with laptops, and newer form factors like Ultrabooks, All in Ones, and tablets. Writeable CDs are today replaced by cloud-based storage solutions like SkyDrive. Connectivity and accessibility once limited to offices is now possible at home, in the car or even on a beach. The newest version of Windows that Microsoft released this fall, Windows 8, reflects this evolution. As businesses evaluate their migration path from Windows XP, there are a few key questions to consider: 

What does support look like for the software applications you need for work? As Windows XP goes off into the sunset, many of the applications that were originally written for it will cost extra in support costs –especially as independent software vendors increasingly stop supporting their newer apps running on Windows XP. This is one of the reasons why firms like IDC predict the longer businesses wait to move to Windows XP to Windows 7 or Windows 8, the pricier custom support for Windows XP gets. · 

What kinds of form factors do your employees need to be successful? With an ever-increasing lineup of Windows 8 form factors to choose from – from notebooks, tablets and All in Ones that use touch – you can replace older hardware with a newer Windows device that reflects the unique needs of your employees and how they prefer to work today.

 How do you want to manage devices running on your corporate network? Businesses in particular are feeling the most pressure to stay up-to-date, with an increasing need to protect their data and manage all their devices, all while ensuring security and compliance. Companies such as BT PLC, Emirates Airlines, Seton Hall University and Toyota Racing Development moved from XP to Windows 7 and are now deploying Windows 8 because of how it reflects their needs today. Not sure what’s the right solution for you? Microsoft is offering a variety of resources to help businesses, including deals through sites like www.Get2Modern.com.

INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING: ‘MAKE HEALTH YOUR 'NEW HIGH' IN LIFE, NOT DRUGS’

There has been considerable concern about the perceived number of young people around the world who are using illicit psychoactive substances. The widespread concern about the use and abuse of illicit drugs is reflected by its high status on health, educational and political agendas in many countries.

In 2010 alone, around 210 million people, youth inclusive, were predicted to take illicit substances at least once, causing drug-trafficking to be one of the largest criminal offence that brings in the most significant social impact to the communities. If strategies to reduce the use of drugs and associated harms amongst the younger population are to be developed, particularly within the health education arena, it is vital that we improve our understanding of the roles that both licit and illicit substances play in the lives of young people.

Illicit drug trade is not only confined to the supply and demand but starts from cultivation offering young people new opportunities to participate. Research has shown that drug cultivators are a very diverse group: although cultivation is the most prevalent money-generating crime for gang members, girls and otherwise conventional youth are also involved in high numbers. There is therefore a need to design policies that concern not just the prevention of drug use among youth, but also youth involvement in the supply of drugs.

  

World Assembly of Youth (WAY) articulate that youth are the central actors and vehicle for change. Any program to curb drug abuse and its trafficking must bear in mind that change starts with the involvement and participation of youth in the formulation and implementation of activities designed to wean and dislodge them from drug use and trafficking. The youth and their peer groups’ perspectives of their involvement in drug sale and trafficking are crucial inputs to the design of program strategies and techniques for any anti-drug programs. Research with a focus on young people has sought to identify motives for illicit drug use.

Support of community officials and institutions is a key factor in the success and replication of any activity to curb drug use and its trade.  Therefore, we assert that Government policies and programs must also recognize the central roles of the community officials and institutions. These policies should also support gender sensitive drug issues.

The policies and programs developed should also recognize the need for protection and support for youth drug users especially in relation to their health. In light of this year’s theme, Make Health Your 'New High' In Life, Not Drugs, we feel that it is necessary to raise the awareness and advocate for the importance of having a healthy body and mind for the young people.

Together we can make it happen and have a world free from the abuse of drugs, and individuals free of drug dependence who can contribute to our common future. It takes a man’s faith to believe that it can happen and action to bring it to pass so let us all have common conviction for the good of our own health, youth and communities.

Source: WAY

INTERNATIONAL DAY IN SUPPORT OF VICTIMS OF TORTURE: ‘REHABILITATION, A KEY TO RE-INTEGRATION’

To deliberately inflict pain on another human being is the most animalistic human trait by far. Everyone has the right to be mentally and physically freed from any form of torture. It is time the world stood together to put this ill treatment to a total halt.

It is disheartening that this sinister act is still happening, and could be going on in our backyards without even knowing. The United Nations has condemned the act of torture as one of the vilest and irresponsible actions committed by human beings to each other.  To further express their support towards the victims of torture,  they have specially chosen 26^th June annually as International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. This year’s theme is rehabilitation, which is selected to acknowledge its pivotal function to reintegrate the victims back to societies.

The truth is that young victims frequently encounter difficulties during the rehabilitation process. This is often caused by the difference in age between the rehabilitators and the young victims of torture. The margin between their ages makes it hard for them to relate to each other. It is therefore advisable that the rehabilitation teams should include youth so as to eliminate communication barriers.

In line with that, World Assembly of Youth (WAY), urge young people from all around the world to jointly commit themselves in volunteering activities especially those related to rehabilitation of tortured victims. Utilizing young volunteers in rehabilitative facilities will not only give them a precise picture about the disadvantages of torturing related acts but also give victims an approachable role model so that the reintegrating process will be easier to be achieved. After all, rehabilitation is a key to reintegration; rehabilitation will prepare victims of torture, build back their confidence and equip them with necessary skills before they are ready to be reintegrated back to their societies.

Today, let us be a part of the movement in support of victims of torture and their road to healing. Join us to promote solidarity, eliminate any form of pain inflicting act, and raise international corporations to assist victims of torture by addressing its causes and restoring the well-being of the victims.

Together we can bring lasting solutions to end torture throughout the world and to ensure torture victims get the necessary help through rehabilitation. Choose to be part of these solutions

WAY 

WORLD REFUGEE DAY: “REAL PEOPLE, REAL NEEDS”

It is a priceless blessing to bask in the freedom to live; the provision to basic amenities of a home; reliable protection; access to transportation. 

In practice, not everyone is as fortunate as us; millions of refugees migrate for reasons of safety or civil rights from their own country. They are usually in danger of losing their life. Humanities basic rights and safety are at risk. They leave because of the exposure to war, danger or the threat of imprisonment to themselves or their loved ones. They have no choice but to leave if they want to continue to live. Driven into a state of depression, starvation and fear, many refugees, from women to children inclusive, have to live in the poorest conditions and are even forced to seek asylum in different areas. This certainly is distressing as refugees have often been misunderstood or largely ignored by the international community therefore, attracting little of the public’s attention.

Reports today have expressed concern of the fragility of the refugee experience underlined by situations in Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq and Syria, causing  7.6 million people to became refugees in 2012; the total number now greater than at any time since 1994. In light of this and other similar cases, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has specially chosen 20^th June as the World Refugee Day to globally express the concern of societies towards such vulnerable groups and assist them to begin their lives afresh.

It is through little things and very personal anecdotes which often define a magical turning point when refugees who may have spent years or even decades in flight and in refugee camps suddenly realize that a new better life has just begun. As young people comprise a growing percentage of the total number of refugees in the world, we at World Assembly of Youth (WAY), join other organizations on this day in acknowledging refugees as well as aid officials from all around the world. We extend our encouragement, support and respect to their strength to sustain, persist and struggle against suffering. 

We call upon partners to assist us in improving collaboration between humanitarian and development actors at all levels. Such partners will prove beneficial in order to assist in becoming involved in areas where there is a clear link to economic growth. Indeed, if refugees could be seen as ‘agents of development’ rather than as burdens.

In order to implement this, we believe the first step would be to see refugees as agents of change and being able to fulfill their potential. This can only be achieved by involving government ministries, international organizations and international dialogues. Bringing forth the issue will require that development actors at all levels be informed to the fact that refugees require wider engagement by the stakeholders.

During the development of initiatives, targeted development assistance should be united to promote refugee protection and durable solutions taking place on a bilateral level, an interregional level, or a multilateral level.

However, we have confidence that a multilateral dialogue provides a context within which an overarching discussion of ‘best practices’ could take place and basic principles agreed upon in order to assist these people meet their basic needs.

Happy World Refugee Day!

Source: WAY

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: “THINK, EAT, SAVE!”

Did you know that every night, when we rest soundly, 1 in 7 people go to bed hungry? Even worse, every day, 20,000 children under the age of 5 die from hunger; while in another part of the world, people, youth inclusive, tend to waste their food.

Based on a survey conducted by UN Food and Agriculture Organization, approximately 1.3 billion tons of food is annually thrown away. While food-resources are scarce and limited to sustain world-population which currently reaches 7 billion people and is still expected to grow, most of us seem to fail to appreciate the value of foods. Considering these and other facts, the World Environment Day this year has been themed ‘Think, Eat, Save’ with the purpose to raise global awareness to take positive actions and initiations in sustaining food resources.

We at the World Assembly of Youth (WAY), on several occasions have deliberated on the provision of necessary basic resources to youth. One of the concerns that we aim to tackle is clearly highlighted in the WAY Millennium Plan of Action 3 (MPAC 3), goal 2 in which we are working and planning necessary actions to reduce the number of people affected by hunger and malnutrition. In our work, we especially advocate that all stakeholders mobilize the youth, educate them on the urgency of sustainable development issues while encouraging them to involve themselves in the negotiation process and engage them in simulations that encourage other societies to jump onto the bandwagon to host their own simulations, albeit from a distance. We trust that once everyone is conversant with the issue, we will come up with innovative ideas that can restructure the current processes and restore hope in them.

In this manner, we can engage the youth locally and get them to THINK of how to provide adequate results, encourage them to EAT healthy while supporting to SAVE the environment.  In our opinion,  this way gives people the opportunity to get involved and experience a reality-like negotiation where they can be the action doers. You can start today, before you order in or cook your meal, we urge you to consider the quantity of food by thinking smartly instead of a good deal. By doing so, you will have contributed in reducing food-waste, saving money, and also minimizing the environmental impact of food production.

So, remember to THINK before you EAT and you might be able to SAVE lives!

Happy World Environment Day!

Source:WAY

ADVANCING SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND INTERGENERATIONAL SOLIDARITY’

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES
 

Family is one of nature's greatest masterpieces in which its members are to be intimately acquainted without having a proper introduction to each other. The bond is just embroidered naturally from the first day of our lives when warm hands embrace our bodies and hearty smiles comfort our cries. The closest family to us is our parents who are the only ones obligated to adore us; compared to the rest of the world whose affection needs to be earned.

To acknowledge the significance of family, 15th May has been specially observed as the International Day of Families. This day aims to promote awareness of issues relating to families. This year’s theme, Advancing Social Integration and Intergenerational Solidarity, realizes the fact that in every family consists of members who come from different generations thus challenges of having a fruitful intergenerational relationship are encountered.



In light of this year theme, we, at World Assembly of Youth (WAY), realize that the creation of positive intergenerational relationships can assist in building strong family-bonds. We do believe that through a positive intergenerational relationship, an efficient avenue can be created allowing preservation and smooth transfer of historical, cultural and traditional values over generations.



Together with this year International Day of Families, we also reiterate our encouragement to young people from all around the world to embrace intergenerational solidarity and tolerance in their families. Opening your heart to the leeway of friendships with our elders can facilitate advancement of social integration and eventually bring in a new level of harmonization within the family as well as society. A small step can be started today by having one or two hours of your evening time spent with your elder family-members. It takes simple steps like spending time with your elders by sharing simple stories or exchanging stories about your day.



Though it might look trivial, maintaining constant conversations with elder family-members may help young people to understand their way of thinking and gain some of priceless knowledge throughout the process. If face-to-face conversation seems to be impossible, utilizing a means of communication technology will be another great option! So, what are you waiting for? Pick up your cell-phone and dial their numbers! You can start by wishing them



To quote Albert Einstein, “Bear in mind that the wonderful things you learn in your schools are the work of many generations. All this is put in your hands as your inheritance in order that you may receive it, honor it, add to it, and one day faithfully hand it on to your children,”

 

Source: http://www.way.org.my/