December 1 is celebrated in Ukraine as Prosecutor’s Day, in the world as Prisoners for Peace Day, World AIDS Day, International Neurologist Day and Antarctica Day.
Prosecutor’s Day
This is a professional holiday, introduced by the Decree of the President of Ukraine in 2000, with the aim of honoring the employees of the prosecutor’s office for their significant contribution to the protection of law and order, the rights and freedoms of citizens.
The Prosecutor’s Office is one of the key institutions in the legal system of Ukraine. Its main functions include maintaining the state prosecution in court, supervising the observance of legality in the activities of authorities, investigating certain categories of crimes and protecting the rights of citizens and state interests. Employees of the prosecutor’s office play an important role in ensuring justice, combating corruption and protecting human rights.
On this day, both the professional achievements of employees and their dedication to work are celebrated. The holiday is also an opportunity for the public to express gratitude for their service and contribution to strengthening the rule of law in the state.
Day of prisoners for peace
This day is celebrated as a reminder of people who refused to participate in military conflicts or support them because of their beliefs, and were deprived of their liberty for doing so. This holiday aims to draw attention to the issues of freedom of conscience, the right to refuse military service for ideological or religious reasons, as well as to those who suffer for their peaceful beliefs.
December 1 was chosen because of its historical importance – on this day, protests were traditionally held in support of prisoners who fought for peace. The holiday was initiated by international organizations fighting for human rights and supported by peace movements around the world.
Interesting facts
The right to refuse military service is recognized by international human rights organizations and enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 18 — freedom of thought, conscience and religion).
Many states today recognize alternative civilian service for those who cannot perform military duty due to conviction.
Leo Tolstoy was one of the first thinkers who popularized the ideas of not resisting evil with violence.
Although Mahatma Gandhi was not imprisoned, his peaceful resistance inspired many people who chose the path of non-violence.
World AIDS Day
This international event was launched in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, support people living with the disease and commemorate those who have died from it.
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is one of the most serious global epidemics in history. According to the UN, since the beginning of the pandemic, more than 40 million people worldwide have died from AIDS, and about 38 million are living with HIV infection as of today. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of joining forces to defeat this disease.
Interesting facts
In 1991, the red ribbon became an international symbol of solidarity with people living with HIV/AIDS. Her form symbolizes hope and struggle.
Each year, World AIDS Day has a theme that focuses on current aspects of the fight against HIV/AIDS, such as human rights, access to treatment or prevention.
Although AIDS is still incurable, modern antiretroviral drugs allow people with HIV to live full lives and reduce the risk of transmission of the virus to almost zero.
The UN’s 90-90-90 campaign was created to achieve the goals: 90% of people with HIV should know their status, 90% of them should receive treatment, and 90% of them should have their virus suppressed to an undetectable level.
Ukraine remains one of the European countries with a high level of HIV prevalence. However, thanks to the efforts of public organizations, the state and international support, access to treatment in the country is constantly improving.
International day of the neurologist
is celebrated annually on December 1 to honor the contributions of neurologists to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the nervous system. This professional holiday is designed to emphasize the importance of the work of these specialists in preserving people’s health and quality of life.
Neurologists specialize in the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. Effective treatment of such diseases as stroke, migraine, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and many others depends on their work.
Interesting facts
One of the first known works in the field of neurology was the research of Hippocrates, who studied the nature of epilepsy as early as the 5th century BC.
The nervous system is one of the most complex in the human body: It contains about 86 billion neurons in the brain, and each of them is capable of forming thousands of connections with other cells.
Medical science about the brain is constantly developing, new methods of treating neurological diseases are discovered every year, thanks to which the quality of life of patients increases.
Migraine is the most common neurological disorder affecting more than 10% of the world’s population.
Thanks to modern technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), neurologists can accurately diagnose complex diseases.
Antarctica Day
This day, celebrated on December 1, is a reminder of a historic event — the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959. This international document became the basis for preserving the continent as a territory of peace, science and international cooperation. The treaty concluded in Washington by twelve states, including the USA, the USSR, Great Britain and others, prohibits the militarization of Antarctica, weapons testing and the declaration of its territory as the property of any country.
The main provisions of the Treaty on Antarctica include:
- Antarctica is used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
- It is forbidden to create military bases, conduct maneuvers or test weapons.
- Research activities are open to all countries, and scientific results are available to all participants.
- International cooperation and protection of the Antarctic ecosystem is ensured.
Interesting facts
Antarctica is the only continent without a permanent population. Only research stations work here, where scientists from all over the world are located.
Antarctica is the coldest place on the planet. In 1983, a record temperature of -89.2°C was recorded here.
Although the continent is covered with ice, there are significant reserves of minerals under its surface, but their extraction is prohibited by international agreements. Antarctica is a model of international cooperation, where countries join forces for nature conservation and scientific research.
The continent is home to unique species of flora and fauna, including penguins, seals and whales.
Historical events on this day
1783 – The first flight of a person in a balloon filled with hydrogen
This event was a real breakthrough in the history of aeronautics. French scientist Jacques Charles and mechanic Nicolas-Louis Robert made this flight in Paris, demonstrating the potential of hydrogen as a lift gas. This was the second known balloon flight after the successful launch by the Montgolfier brothers, but this time hydrogen was used instead of hot air.
1891 – Invention of basketball
American teacher and coach James Naismith invented basketball as a game for winter gym sessions. At first, the game consisted of throwing the ball into the peach baskets fixed on the walls. This simple idea turned into a sport that today has millions of fans around the world.
1918 – Proclamation of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes
After the end of the First World War, a new state appeared in Europe, which united the Slavic peoples of the southern region. It was the first major political entity that later grew into Yugoslavia.
1944 – Creation of the Department for Combating the “Nationalist Underground”
The order of the NKVD of the USSR became the basis for repression against nationalist movements in Western Ukraine and the Baltic states. The General Directorate of Combating Banditry was used as a tool to eliminate resistance and suppress freedom.
1981 – Commissioning of the 3rd power unit of the Chornobyl NPP
This event was another step in the development of nuclear energy in the USSR. The power unit had a capacity of 1 million kW. However, a few years later, the station became the site of the largest nuclear disaster in the world.
1988 – First celebration of the World AIDS Day
This day was established to draw attention to the global problem of HIV/AIDS, to raise awareness and support for people living with this disease.
1989 – Meeting of Pope Ivan Paul II with Mikhail Gorbachev
This historic meeting in the Vatican was the first step towards the official legalization of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) and other Catholic structures in the USSR that had been banned for decades.
1990 – Constituent Congress of the Party of Democratic Revival of Ukraine
In Kyiv, the process of creating a new political force began, which had a significant impact on the political life of Ukraine in the following years. Subsequently, the People’s Democratic Party was formed on its basis.
1991 – All-Ukrainian referendum on the independence of Ukraine
December 1, 1991 became a significant day in the history of Ukraine. More than 90% of citizens who took part in the referendum voted for the independence of the state. On the same day, the first presidential elections were held, in which Leonid Kravchuk won.
1991 – Opening of the Consulate General of Austria in Kyiv
This event symbolized the strengthening of diplomatic ties between Ukraine and Austria after the declaration of Ukraine’s independence.
1994 – Andriy Shevchenko’s first goal for Dynamo Kyiv
The future football legend striker scored his first goal in the match against Dnipro, starting his stellar career that brought him world recognition.
2009 – Launch of the Lviv city rail bus
This project became an important step in improving the urban infrastructure of Lviv, promoting ecological transport and ease of movement for residents.
2012 – Promulgation of the Ukrainian Charter of a Free Person
The document was created to emphasize the importance of human freedoms and values in modern society.
2013 – The beginning of the Revolution of Dignity
After the attempted violent dispersal of the Euromaidan, a million-strong demonstration took place in Kyiv. Clashes near the Administration of the President of Ukraine marked the beginning of mass protests that changed the country’s political course.
