Current Affairs
Daily Bits

World Civil Defence Day

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    World Affairs
  • Published
    3rd Mar, 2022

Context

World Civil Defence Day is annually observed across the globe on 1st March.

History

  • World Civil Defence Day was established by the International Civil Defence Organization. 

The International Civil Defence Organization, or ICDO, was created in 1931 by Surgeon-General George Saint-Paul who founded the Association of Geneva Zones, which later became the ICDO. 

    • Saint-Paul was influenced by the horrors of the First World War and aimed to create safety zones where civilians could seek protection in times of wars or disasters.
  • The name and objectives of the organisation altered over a period of time to become the International Civil Defence Organization as it exists today.
  • The I.C.D.O. 's current constitution was ratified by the organization’s member-states in 1972, and it went into effect on March 1 of that year, the very date that is now celebrated as World Defence Day.
  • The organisation currently consists of 60 members and 23 observer states.
  • Civil Defence, also known as civil protection, is the practice of teaching civilians how to protect themselves from natural disasters by teaching them how to prevent, prepare for, respond to, evacuate, and recover. 

Theme

  • The theme of World Civil Defence Day 2022 is “Civil defence and management of displaced populations in face of disasters and crises; role of volunteers and the fight against pandemics”.
  • The theme of World Civil Defence Day 2021-
    • The theme was launched by showing a film that reveals the importance of promoting a safety culture at homes.
    • Civil Defence and the first aider in every home. 

Significance

  • The day was intended to honour the achievements of national disaster-prevention services. 
  • It also raises awareness of the importance of self-Defence and prevention in the event of accidents or calamities. 
  • The contributions and efforts of these unappreciated heroes are honoured on World Civil Defence Day.

Verifying, please be patient.