Nelson Mandela International Day is observed annually on July 18 in commemoration of the birth of South African leader and human rights advocate Nelson Mandela. The day was established to honor Mandela’s struggle against racism, discrimination, and injustice, as well as his commitment to the principles of human rights, equality, and freedom.

^{Nelson Mandela (Anadolu Ajansı)}

History

On December 1, 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 18 as “Nelson Mandela International Day” to honor Nelson Mandela’s contributions to the struggle against racism and his efforts for freedom. The day is observed worldwide to perpetuate Mandela’s values and legacy. Since its inception, July 18 has been celebrated annually as a day for raising awareness about human rights, equality, freedom, and social solidarity.

Nelson Mandela International Day is recognized as a platform aimed at creating global awareness and promoting social solidarity. UNESCO and other international institutions support this day through various programs to commemorate Mandela’s fight for human rights and peace, and to strengthen the consciousness of equality and justice among youth and communities.

^{Nelson Mandela and UNESCO (UNESCO)}

Life and Contributions of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela fought against the discrimination faced by non-white people in South Africa under the Apartheid regime. From his early life in a tribal community to becoming one of South Africa’s first Black lawyers, Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) and became one of its leading members. The ANC organized resistance against the Apartheid regime, and Mandela was at the forefront of this struggle.

Arrested in 1962, Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1963. During the 27 years he spent in prison, he was forced to work in quarries and lime pits, and was not permitted to meet with his family. During this time, Mandela became a symbol of the anti-Apartheid resistance and maintained his determination to continue the fight for freedom.

Released in 1990, Mandela led efforts to establish social peace in South Africa through a forgiving and unifying approach. In 1993, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize alongside then-State President Frederik Willem de Klerk, and in 1994, he became South Africa’s first Black President in democratic elections that included all ethnic groups. During his presidency, he led efforts to draft a new constitution, implement land reform, and establish the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Mandela honored his campaign promise by serving only one term and dedicated the remainder of his life to charitable work and the fight against poverty and HIV/AIDS.

^{Life and Contributions of Nelson Mandela (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Purpose and Significance

The primary purpose of Nelson Mandela International Day is to commemorate Mandela’s struggle for human rights, justice, equality, and freedom, and to promote the global dissemination of these values. The day provides an opportunity to strengthen social solidarity, emphasize the importance of peace and justice, and raise awareness of human rights. Mandela’s life, his forgiving nature, and unifying approach serve as an inspiration, particularly for the global advancement of justice and human rights.

Global Activities and Initiatives

UNESCO supports Nelson Mandela International Day through various programs and events. Aimed at preserving Mandela’s legacy and continuing the struggle for human rights, UNESCO conducts initiatives in the fields of education, culture, and peacebuilding. The Nelson Mandela Heritage Sites constitute a significant part of these efforts. In 2024, fourteen sites related to Mandela’s anti-Apartheid struggle and freedom campaign were included on the World Heritage List. Robben Island, where Mandela spent 10,000 days in prison, was added to the list in 1999.

In education, UNESCO’s Global Master Class Series, launched in 2019, encourages youth to analyze mechanisms of racism and discrimination. To date, more than 17,000 young people have been able to raise awareness within their communities through these programs. UNESCO also supports cultural expression, media, and information literacy initiatives, enabling individuals and communities to express shared human values. Furthermore, UNESCO emphasizes Mandela’s philosophy of Ubuntu, which conveys that humans are interconnected and cannot develop individually without society.

Activities and Contributions in Türkiye

The Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye conducts activities to raise awareness within society on the occasion of Nelson Mandela International Day. The institution organizes informational activities and events to strengthen the principles of human rights and equality, enhance social tolerance and solidarity, and promote Mandela’s universal values.

^{Nelson Mandela (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Nelson Mandela Rules

Mandela’s prison experiences and his struggle for human rights contributed to the development of standards aimed at protecting the rights of prisoners. On December 4, 2015, the United Nations General Assembly revised certain provisions of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, adopting them as the “Nelson Mandela Rules.” These rules contain universal standards to ensure the humane treatment of individuals in prison.