AHRC Recognizes Nelson Mandela International Day- July 18

[Michigan, July 18, 2021]: The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) joins the United Nations and the global community in celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day (July 18), in honor of former South African President, anti-apartheid activist, and world leader Nelson Mandela, (July 18, 1918-December 5, 2013).

In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously voted to set aside July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day to honor the lifelong work and activism of Nelson Mandela in his fight for the advancement and protection of civil and human rights for the people of South Africa and for people around the world. Nelson Mandela International Day is set aside every year on July 18 to celebrate the life of this great world leader, and to call on communities across the world to act in ways to make the world better. It is a call to action for world citizens to commit to helping to make the world more just and better for everyone. Many people around the world use this day as a day of service and volunteerism in their local communities.

Nelson Mandela devoted most of his life serving humanity. Throughout 67 years of service, the world leader inspired and impacted people across the world serving as a human rights lawyer, international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.

“Nelson Mandela's legacy is a legacy of human conscious. Mandela's day is day of renewed commitment to make this world and world of peace, equality and justice for all.” Said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director. “Nelson Mandela is a leader who changed history and Apartheid and Mandela are words familiar to all around the world. We honor the giants of the human rights struggle who preceded us by continuing the struggle for a world of peace, equality and justice for all.” Continued Hamad.