World Bicycle Day - June 3

 On 12 April 2018, the United Nations General Assembly proclaims 3 June as World Bicycle Day, in recognition of the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for more than two centuries. The General Assembly also highlights the advantages of the bicycle as a simple, economical, reliable, environmentally friendly and sustainable means of transport that promotes health for all.

The United Nations recently highlighted cycling as essential to the ecological transition in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recalled that investing in pedestrians and cyclists - who make up the majority of a city's citizens - can save lives, as well as help protect the environment and reduce poverty.

The UCI is also delighted to be part of a global solidarity movement to be launched on 3 June by the NGO World Bicycle Relief (WBR). This organisation brings people together through the "power of bicycles", manufacturing and distributing purpose-built, sturdy bicycles assembled in recipient countries. They are then distributed to students, health professionals, entrepreneurs and workers in rural areas, where getting around is a challenge in itself.

#CyclingActsofKindness celebrates a simple idea: an act of kindness can change the world. What better day than today to spread kindness on two wheels? The concept couldn't be simpler. World Bicycle Relief is asking people around the world to:

• Get on your bike and go do a good deed.

Deliver a meal to a friend, collect food for a neighbour, plant a tree? Have fun and spread joy all around you! (respecting local social distancing guidelines, of course).

• Share your story on social media via #CyclingActsofKindness, #WorldBicycleDay, #3JuneWorldBicycleDay

To show the world the image of the goodness of cycling.

• Encourage your friends and family to follow the trend.

By taking the decision to cycle, thousands of people spread the good every day, all over the world. They may be motivated by personal reasons (health, freedom, independence), by the environment (an active and sustainable means of transport rather than a motorised one) or by the desire to help others (visiting a friend, running errands for the family, taking their children to play in the park). The aim of this campaign is to give visibility to and celebrate these acts of kindness around the world by bringing together cyclists and stories of great social impact.

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4 June, International Day of Innocent Child Victims of Abuse

The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of the suffering endured by children around the world who are victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse, and to recall the commitment of the United Nations to the protection of children's rights. Its work is guided by the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC, United Nations, 2019).

It is an opportunity for people around the world to become aware of the monstrous impact of abuse, in all its forms, on children. It is also a time for organisations and individuals to learn about and participate in awareness-raising campaigns to protect children's rights (United Nations, 2012).

A little history

On 19 August 1982, at its special emergency session on the Palestinian question, the General Assembly, "appalled by the large number of Palestinian and Lebanese children who are innocent victims of Israel's acts of aggression", decided to designate 4 June each year as the International Day for Innocent Children Victims of Aggression (resolution ES-7/8, United Nations, 2019).

In 1997, the General Assembly adopted resolution 51/77 on the Rights of the Child, a landmark act in the drive to improve the protection of children in conflict situations.

In recent years, the number of violations against children has increased in many war zones. More and better action is needed to protect the 250 million children living in conflict-affected countries and territories; more and better action is needed to remove them from the violent extremists who target them; to promote international humanitarian and child rights laws; and to prosecute those responsible for their violations.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development gives us a blueprint for securing a better future for children; it includes for the first time a specific goal (16.2) for ending all forms of violence against children, and ending the abuse, neglect and exploitation of children is included in several other goals related to violence and conflict.

The six most widespread violations are: recruitment and use of children in warfare, killing, sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access (United Nations, 2019).

Conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Yemen and Syria all show similar signs of children's exposure to a hostile environment. Violence has profoundly affected the lives of these children and has inevitably disenfranchised them. Action must be taken to remove these children from this violence.

Objective: to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies

To meet this challenge, and to build more peaceful and inclusive societies, effective and transparent regulations and realistic and comprehensive budgets are essential. Among the first steps towards protecting individual rights are the implementation of a global birth register and the creation of more independent national human rights institutions around the world

Facts & figures

Among the institutions most affected by corruption are the police and the judiciary.

Corruption, bribery, embezzlement and tax evasion cost developing countries an estimated US$1.26 trillion each year, which could be used to improve the lives of those living on less than US$1.25 a day for at least 6 years.

73% of children under 5 years of age were registered at birth, but only 46% of people in sub-Saharan Africa were registered.

About 28.5 million school-age children not in primary school live in areas affected by war and conflict.

The rule of law and development are strongly interrelated and mutually reinforcing, and are therefore essential for sustainable development at the national and international levels.

Violence against children

1. Violence directly affects more than one billion children worldwide and costs societies more than $7 trillion a year.
2. Fifty per cent of the world's children experience violence every year.
3. Every 5 minutes, somewhere in the world, a child is killed by violence.
4. 1 in 10 children are sexually abused before they reach the age of majority.
5. 9 out of 10 children live in countries that do not fully prohibit corporal punishment, leaving 732 million children without legal protection.
6. All children can be victims of cyber-violence.
7. 246 million children experience violence in schools each year.
   1 in 3 students have been bullied by their peers at school in the last month, and at least 1 in 10 children have been cyberbullied.

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Hyde Park, London. Information about London

Hyde Park is the most important public park in London with some 140 hectares of green spaces, ideal for the recreation of the London population and tourists who come to enjoy the atmosphere of this oasis in the middle of so much brick, concrete and asphalt of the big city.

Adjacent to Hyde Park are other extensive parks such as St James's Park and Kensington Gardens.

Hyde Park was originally the property of the monks of Westminster Abbey, which was confiscated in 1536 by the then King Henry VIII, who subsequently used it for hunting. It was not until 1637 that Charles I inaugurated it as a public park.

Serpentine Lake

It has an elongated lake called Serpentine, which delimits the park with Kensington Gardens. This lake, created in 1730, can be navigated with rented canoes and you can observe the behaviour of the birds that inhabit it.

To the south of the lake is the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, a large oval stone ring-shaped fountain dedicated to the princess.

Speakers' Corner

A very curious event that takes place in this park is the well-known Speakers' Corner in the north-west of the park. Here people gather freely every Sunday to discuss and debate their ideas on politics, religion and other issues.

Don't hesitate to stop by this park to lie on the grass or, if you're lucky, to enjoy one of the many open-air concerts that are often held here.

Location: In the city centre.

Underground stops at Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Knightsbridge or Lancaster Gate stations.

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Trafalgar Square, London. Information about London

Trafalgar Square is undoubtedly the most representative and famous square in London, the undisputed meeting point for Londoners, with a constant influx of tourists who consider this square an essential visit on their trip to the English capital.

The most characteristic feature of this square built in 1845 is its great column, which pays homage to Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson, who won the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, which gives its name to the busy square. This column reaches a height of over 50 metres, topped by a sculpture of the Vice Admiral. Surrounding the obelisk is a bronze sculpture of giant lions cast by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Flanking the column are harmonious fountains of crystal clear water that provide a breath of fresh air, especially on hot days.

To the north of the square stands the building that gives Trafalgar Square its majestic appearance. This is the National Gallery, which has the most important collection of paintings in England, with works dating from 1250 to 1900. Another building worth admiring is the church of St Martin in the Fields in the north-west corner.

Charing Cross is the name of a street leading off the square. This point corresponds to London's kilometre zero, just like Puerta del Sol in Madrid.

Around Trafalgar Square are London's busiest areas with numerous restaurants, cinemas, cafes and shops. These areas are Chinatown and Soho.

Location: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, Reino Unido +44 20 7983 4750

Underground with stop at Charing Cross station.

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Westminster Abbey, London. Information about London

Westminster Abbey is London's oldest and most popular religious building. Its construction dates back to 1045 when the then King Edward the Confessor ordained it on the advice of the Pope.

Most of the church that can be seen today dates from between 1245 and 1517, when the original Romanesque style was replaced by a Gothic style rebuilt by Henry III to honour the memory of King Edward the Confessor. The two towers of the main façade were added to the basilica in 1745.

The basilica is famous not only for its architectural beauty and decoration, but also for the events it has hosted and the personalities buried inside.

Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, all the coronation ceremonies of the English monarchs have taken place in Westminster Abbey, except those of Jane Grey, Edward V and Edward VIII.

Among the famous people buried here are some of the kings of England and illustrious personalities such as Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton, among many others.

Location: 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA, Reino Unido. +44 20 7222 5152

Underground Stops at St James' Park, Westminster.

Bus: Lines 3, 11, 12, 24, 29, 53, 70, 77, 77a, 88, 109, 148, 159, 170 y 211.

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Psychopathy: What is it? Can be treated?

Psychopathy is a serious personality disorder that affects 4% of men. This disorder is difficult to treat and requires social support in addition to therapeutic support.

Psychopathy: what is it?

The term psychopathy has disappeared from the classifications of mental disorders but is still used to describe a complex personality disorder, now called antisocial personality disorder. It is not an illness but a pathological personality that is expressed throughout life.

This psychological disorder can interact with and/or accentuate other disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar depression. There are several degrees of the disease, ranging from moderate psychopathy to criminal acts that are dangerous to others.

Psychopathy is said to affect 4% of men but only one in a hundred women. 60% of people in prison are psychopaths. There is a causal link between psychopathic personality and delinquency.

What is a psychopath?

The diagnosis of psychopathy or antisocial personality disorder is based on antisocial behaviour, not necessarily criminal behaviour. The psychopath's life is marked by precariousness and instability, professionally, socially and emotionally.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatry (DSM) IV and 5 defines psychopathy as a pattern of disregard and transgression of the rights of others that has occurred since the age of 15 "associated with at least 3 of the following manifestations:

• inability to conform to laws and social norms
• a tendency to deceive for profit or pleasure (indicated by repeated lying, use of pseudonyms, scams)
• impulsiveness or inability to plan ahead
• irritability or aggressiveness (indicated by repeated fighting or aggression)
• reckless disregard for safety of self or others
• persistent irresponsibility (indicated by inability to hold a steady job or meet financial obligations)
• lack of remorse (indicated by being indifferent or justifying oneself after hurting, abusing or stealing from others)

Profile of the psychopath

According to many authors, this syndrome characterises people who are arrogant, highly manipulative, insensitive, seductive, dominant and fearless. In addition, psychopaths are considered to be impulsive in many areas of their lives. They have no remorse or empathy. Themes of love, horror, and good and evil mean nothing to psychopaths, except in a very superficial way. They are constantly seeking stimulation, display superficial affect, and aspire to control others and their environment. They view those around them as objects to be manipulated at will, maintaining relationships for utilitarian purposes.

Psychopathy is often associated with alcohol, drug or medication abuse. Substance abuse is the most frequently observed comorbidity.

Can psychopathy be treated?

The prognosis for psychopathy is poor. Mortality is high, due to violence and drug use.

Therapeutic treatment of psychopathy is possible. It must be linked to social care. However, the psychopath is never at the initiative of the treatment.

Classical psychoanalysis is generally unsuitable. Cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic therapies, individually or in groups, are of interest.

Medication is used to reduce symptoms temporarily, but the results are rather disappointing: benzodiazepines, neuroleptics for their action on aggressive and impulsive behaviour, antidepressants, antiepileptics, thymoregulators, lithium.

Note: over the age of 40, the symptoms of psychopathy subside.

Do we know the causes of psychopathy?

Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain psychopathic personality disorders: hormonal imbalance, frontal neurological disorders, a defect in emotional regulation, childhood psychological trauma, etc. It would seem that none of these factors alone is sufficient to explain the psychopathic personality disorder. Psychopathy would rather be due to biological disorders linked to heredity, combined with psychological, educational and social factors.

It is known that during childhood and adolescence, non-specific conduct disorders can be observed, which are likely to evolve into psychopathy, and that it is therefore of interest that these children and adolescents receive early individual care.

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What is narcissistic personality disorder?

Hated because they are full of themselves, egotistical, lacking in empathy and condescending; narcissistic people feel superior to others. The one most talked about, as potentially dangerous for his victims, is the narcissistic pervert. But there are other profiles of narcissistic personalities. How do you recognise a narcissistic person? What are the causes of narcissism? How do you deal with a narcissist?

What is narcissistic personality disorder?

"Narcissistic personality disorder is characterised by a constant feeling of superiority (megalomania), a need to be admired and a lack of empathy," reads the MSD Manual, the world's leading source of medical information. Narcissism comes from the Greek character Narcissus, who fell in love with his own image reflected in the water. Narcissists are, by extension, people who love and admire themselves more than they should. The concept of narcissism entered psychiatry thanks to Sigmund Freud.

The latter distinguishes between primary and secondary narcissism. Primary narcissism is a normal infantile stage during which the child learns to love himself by eroticizing his own body. Secondary narcissism is pathological. It becomes a perversion when an adult is unable to detach himself from himself in order to invest himself with others. It is important to know that a normally developing individual detaches himself from himself in order to reach out to others, while still retaining a certain amount of self-esteem.
According to the DSM-5, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, narcissistic personality disorder manifests itself by at least 5 of these symptoms (they must appear in early adulthood):

1. An overestimation of one's abilities. The narcissist believes that his or her skills and accomplishments are extraordinary. Therefore, he/she must be considered superior to others.
2. The impression of being unique. The narcissist believes that he/she is special and therefore should only communicate with special, high-ranking people.
3. A constant and excessive need to be liked and admired.
4. An obsession with power, success and beauty.
5. A lack of empathy. The narcissist sees only himself or herself and therefore cannot be interested in the needs and feelings of others.
6. Arrogance and a haughty attitude.
7. A need to manipulate others to get their way.
8. A feeling that others envy him/her.
9. A feeling of entitlement.

The different profiles of narcissistic personalities

The American psychologist Theodore Milton, one of the specialists in personality disorders, distinguished several profiles of narcissistic personalities who act differently:

• The manipulative narcissist. He has no qualms about using others to get what he wants.
• The seductive narcissist. They use their irresistible charm to manipulate others. The seduction is physical but also intellectual.
• The passive-aggressive narcissist. He considers others to be less good than he is and constantly complains about his incompetence.
• The elitist narcissist. They love power and domination and show it with a haughty attitude.
• The fanatical narcissist. They think big and always want more than they have because they believe they deserve it.

These different profiles have, however, been discussed on several occasions by specialists because the same narcissistic person can display several profiles at the same time. They would then only be variants of the same disorder. Also, certain characteristics of narcissistic disorder are found in other personality disorders. It is therefore difficult to put a single label on a personality, because of its complexity. We also note that pathological narcissists often suffer from other disorders such as depression (following one or more failures that they have not been able to cope with), anorexia nervosa, a substance abuse disorder or a personality disorder (borderline or paranoid).

Narcissistic personality disorder: what are the risk factors?

There are many possible causes of narcissistic personality disorder. The risk factors are both genetic and environmental:

• Having received a strict upbringing where one always had to excel in order to be rewarded or, conversely, having received an overly lax upbringing where compliments flowed and admiration was boundless.
• A lack of self-esteem that makes one lose the means at the slightest failure. To hide this fragility, narcissists make others believe that they are sure of themselves and good at everything. This lack of esteem is also reflected in the fact that they envy people whom they (secretly) consider to be better than themselves.
• A trauma suffered in the past (abuse, aggression, betrayal). Narcissism is then a defence mechanism to avoid being destroyed again.
• Narcissistic parents who have never taught their children empathy and modesty.

How to act when faced with a narcissist?

There are two schools of thought on this subject: those who advocate opposition and those who favour empathy.

Opposing the narcissist

Narcissistic behaviour, if repeated, is often unbearable for the people who suffer it. It becomes tempting to say "stop! This reaction can be useful to make the narcissistic person understand that his or her behaviour is selfish and that you do not like it: "I would like you to stop talking about yourself so that I can talk to you about what worries or pleases me at the moment. This conversation is an exchange", "You're just putting down other people, but are they as incompetent as you say? The idea is to put them in their place, without being mean. The idea is to put them in their place, without being mean. In a relationship, the narcissist will always want to hold the reins, make them understand that they are not alone and that if they want the relationship to last, they will have to leave you some space.

Being tolerant of the narcissist

To do this, it is useful to understand the origin of the person's narcissism (strict or too flexible upbringing, old trauma, etc.) to better understand them and tolerate their behaviour. To congratulate them on what they have achieved only when it is deserved, but without exaggerating so as not to put them on a pedestal. Since narcissists cannot stand the success of others, it is better to remain discreet about their own successes and privileges so as not to arouse their jealousy and provoke a surge of egocentricity by way of overkill. For the sake of the relationship, and if you can stand his or her behaviour, do not confront him or her, as this could weaken your relationship with this person.

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