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This website is in the process of being modernized and remodeled. We beg your pardon for the inconveniance. In peace, SI Exco (Servas International Executive Committee) 2012 GA in Poland - Getting Connected / Conectarse / Connectons-nous 60 Years! Celebrations Servas News is now on Twitter! Follow @ServasNews Latest SI Newsletter Servas Georgia - Member information New Servas Youth - Appeal for Funding Human Rights Day New Servas Congo Brazzaville Reports English & français Servas International General Assembly elected new EXCO New United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs on Facebook Peace Secretaries International Day of Happiness New Servas Georgia - Member information Servas Georgia is pleased to invite you to visit and discover one of the most ancient and fascinating countries in the world, now a member of Servas International! Photo: Brigitte, Servas Germany Practically unspoiled by modern tourism and still retaining its authentic character, once Georgia is experienced, it will stay with you forever. Often visitors are haunted until they return, and many come back to stay. For walkers and hikers the fields, plateaux, mountains and rivers are endless, while botanists and bird-watchers will be enthralled. Archaeologists and historians will find it difficult to choose which of the numerous ancient sites to visit first. In this mystical land where Jason and the Argonauts sought the Golden Fleece, you will be captivated by a thrilling blend of eastern enigma and western elegance. The towering Caucasus Mountains form the border between Europe and Asia to the North and the East, while the Black Sea to the west leads to Turkey and other neighbors. Georgia has long been a key transit zone—from prehistoric times through the epoch of the Silk Road until today’s modern world of international trade routes. The traditions of East and West meet in Georgia to form a unique and hospitable culture. As the birth-place of wine, Georgia has 500 species of grapes, and fruits of all kinds abound. Georgian food and hospitality at the table are legendary. Photo: Tony and Sun, Servas South Korea The following local legend describes Georgia well: When God apportioned the Earth to all the peoples of the world, the Georgians arrived late...This is one of the charming characteristics of Georgia’s easy-going lifestyle… The Lord then asked them why they were tardy and they replied that they had stopped on the way to drink and raise their glasses in praise of Him. God was so pleased with their response that He gave the Georgians the part of the Earth that He had been reserving for himself. A visit will confirm that this legend rings very true--Georgia is indeed a natural paradise! More information and pictures available here: link
Top Servas International General Assembly elected new EXCO Photo credit:Amir Left to right SI Vice President Ann Greenhough, United Kingdom SI Host List Coordinator Arnoud Philippo, Netherlands SI President Jonny Sågänger, Sweden SI Treasurer Miroslaw Wasilewski, Poland SI General Secretary Jaime Romero Colombia SI Peace Secretary Danielle Serres, France
Top Servas Youth - Appeal for Funding Successful organisation of SI Youth Meeting, GA We would appreciate very much all financial help towards enabling young activists or potential activists to participate in the two events. We already have several applications and worry about not being able to support all of these people we would like to join us. It should be taken into account that it is a unique situation when, after the YM, a newly trained and bonded group of Servas young people can immediately experience and contribute to the workings of the organisation as a whole at the GA. Our opinion is that now is the moment to take all the possible steps to attract ‘new blood’ to Servas. We never have a guarantee that there will be a substantial effect of our actions but we do have a guarantee that if we do nothing, there will be no effect at all. Therefore we urge EXCO not to cut funds which were previously allocated to youth meetings and DC funds even if the revenue has diminished – we believe it is precisely the signal to make more effort, not less. And once again, it seems to us that on international level our organisation, with its history and status, is in a very good position to engage in fundraising outside Servas and that it would reasonably be the job of its President,Vice President. Top
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted on 10 December 1948. The date has since served to mark Human Rights Day worldwide. The High Commissioner for Human Rights, as the main UN rights official, and her Office play a major role in coordinating efforts for the yearly observance of Human Rights Day. The UDHR: the foremost statement of the rights and freedoms of all human beings The Declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, consists of a preamble and 30 articles, setting out a broad range of fundamental human rights and freedoms to which all men and women, everywhere in the world, are entitled, without any distinction. The Declaration was drafted by representatives of all regions and legal traditions. It has over time been accepted as a contract between governments and their peoples. Virtually all states have accepted it. The Declaration has also served as the foundation for an expanding system of human rights protection that today focuses also on vulnerable groups such as disabled persons, indigenous peoples and migrant workers. The Most Universal Document in the World The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has been awarded the Guinness World Record for having collected, translated and disseminated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into more than 380 languages and dialects: from Abkhaz to Zulu. The Universal Declaration is thus the most translated document - indeed, the most "universal" one in the world. Human Rights Day, 10 December Human Rights Day presents an opportunity, every year, to celebrate human rights, highlight a specific issue, and advocate for the full enjoyment of all human rights by everyone everywhere. This year, the spotlight is on the rights of all people — women, youth, minorities, persons with disabilities, indigenous people, the poor and marginalized — to make their voices heard in public life and be included in political decision-making. These human rights — the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, to peaceful assembly and association, and to take part in government (articles 19, 20 and 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) have been at the centre of the historic changes in the Arab world over the past two years, in which millions have taken to the streets to demand change. In other parts of the world, the “99%” made their voices heard through the global Occupy movement protesting economic, political and social inequality. Top
International Day of Happiness "On this first International Day of Happiness, let us reinforce our commitment to inclusive and sustainable human development and renew our pledge to help others. When we contribute to the common good, we ourselves are enriched. Compassion promotes happiness and will help build the future we want." Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Message for the International Day of Happiness, 20 March 2013 Top
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