World Civil Defence Day is annually observed across the globe on 1st March to honour the significance of Civil Defence and the personnel who have sacrificed their lives for it. The objective of the day is to raise public awareness of civil defence and its importance in protecting people and communities from the impact of emergencies and disasters
- The day provides an opportunity to recognise the vital role of civil defence in protecting the communities and saving lives.
The theme of World Civil Defence Day 2023 is “The Role of Information Technology in Risk Assessment”.
Significance of Civil Defence:
Civil defence is an essential part of emergency management. It involves taking measures to protect the people, infrastructure, and assets from the effects of natural disasters and emergencies.
Role: To prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters
Background:
i.World Civil Defence Day was established by the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO), based in Geneva, Switzerland.
ii.The first-ever World Civil Defence Day was observed in 1990.
iii.Civil Defence Day was officially inaugurated by the ICDO in 2012.
Why March 1?
The Constitution of the ICDO was adopted on 17 October 1966, and came into force on 1st March 1972.
- It attributes the status of the intergovernmental organisation to the ICDO (United Nations, Treaty Series, Volume 985, registration No. 14376).
History ICDO:
i.Surgeon-General Georges SAINT-PAUL founded the Association of Geneva Zones (Association des Lieux de Genève) in Paris on 28th May 1931.
ii.Later the organisation became the International Civil Defence Organisation and was given a new status as a non-governmental organisation.
iii.In 1972, ICDO was given the status of an International Organisation (IO).
About International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO):
Secretary-General– Njoupouo YAP Mariatou
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
Members– Member States (60); Observer States (16); Affiliated Members (22)
