What is the official name of the United Nations day honoring Nelson Mandela?
Answer
Nelson Mandela International Day
The official name of the United Nations day honoring Nelson Mandela is Nelson Mandela International Day.
The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized the day in 2009, choosing 18 July, Mandela’s birthday. It is observed each year to honor his service to humanity through conflict resolution, human rights, reconciliation and social justice.
The observance encourages people to devote 67 minutes to community service. The number refers to the 67 years Mandela spent serving the public through political activism and leadership.
Nelson Mandela International Day is not the same as South Africa’s public holiday called Freedom Day, which is observed on 27 April to commemorate the 1994 democratic election. It is also distinct from Human Rights Day in South Africa, held on 21 March. These similarly themed observances are often confused because all relate to the country’s transition from apartheid.