Universal Human Rights Month
In 1948 with the memory of World War II still fresh, the United Nations crafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
One of the most important things you can do throughout the course of this month – and beyond into next year – is to find common ground with the people around you. Human Rights Month is about acknowledging that people of different cultures and creeds are still people. We must be careful of differentiating ourselves from our fellow humans so much that we forget this core truth. Take the time to learn about another culture that is different from yours. If that culture makes you nervous, so much the better.
1 World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is a global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Since 1988, communities have stood together on World AIDS Day to show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost. In addition to wearing a Red Ribbon, fundraising for National AIDS Trust and spreading awareness of issues affecting people living with HIV are just a some of the ways to get involved this World AIDS Day.
1 Nunatsiavut Day
The Canadian Inuit territory of Nunatsiavut, which means Our Beautiful Land in Inuktitut, was established within the boundaries of Newfoundland and Labrador. The area includes territory in Labrador extending to the Quebec border.
The people of Nunatsiavut are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Nunatsiavut Day on 1 December 2025. The constitution was ratified on 1 December 2005, and Nunatsiavut became the first of the Inuit regions in Canada to achieve self-government.
2 International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery seeks to raise awareness of the millions of people living in conditions of slavery. According to the Global Slavery Index, some 45.8 million people are in some form of modern slavery in 167 countries.
3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
This day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
4 Giving Tuesday
Across six continents, hundreds of thousands of leaders and millions of people work together to change, and in many cases, transform their communities for the better. The GivingTuesday nucleus supports that local impact through networked leadership development in communities around the world; storytelling and strategic communication that uplifts the impacts of generosity; the deployment of human, financial, and social capital to and throughout the movement; and ultimately, the global ritualization of generosity, which has dramatically increased the rate at which people give and volunteer worldwide.
#GivingTuesday is invested in communities around the globe with a mandate to propel generosity across every culture, continent, and context.
5 International Volunteer Day
The challenges we face—climate change, conflicts, and social injustices can feel overwhelming. Yet, in these trying moments, the spirit of volunteerism shines brighter than ever. In every corner of the world, volunteers are usually the first to respond. They rise to meet challenges with courage, dedication, and selflessness. Volunteers create a richer culture of service within their communities. They help bridge the gap between generations and support sustainable development.
6 National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
It has been over 30 years since the murder of 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal (December 6, 1989). This act of violent misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
On December 6, we remember:
- Geneviève Bergeron
- Hélène Colgan
- Nathalie Croteau
- Barbara Daigneault
- Anne-Marie Edward
- Maud Haviernick
- Maryse Laganière
- Maryse Leclair
- Anne-Marie Lemay
- Sonia Pelletier
- Michèle Richard
- Annie St-Arneault
- Annie Turcotte
- Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
10 Human Rights Day
Learning about human rights helps to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that empower us to stand up for our rights as well as those of others. Here are suggestions for simple activities to get involved:
- Visit the United Nations Human Rights Day website.
- Watch a film from the Human Rights Playlist curated by the National Film Board of Canada.
- Learn more about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- Discover the history of human rights in Canada through the Canada History Week digital magazines (2017 and 2019 editions).
- Explore the Canadian Museum for Human Rights’ Story Collection.
- Learn about significant human rights milestones from the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
- Download the illustrated version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and share it with family.
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (PDF version, 299 KB) and choose one that you will act on.
14-22 Hanukkah
This Jewish “Festival of Lights” is celebrated for eight days and eight nights. The candles on the menorah are lit from right to left each night. Traditions include singing songs, playing the dreidel, and making and eating fried foods such as latkes and sufganiyot.
18 International Migrants Day
21 Winter Solstice
The first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere is marked by the winter solstice. The winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight throughout the year, making it the “shortest day” of the year.
25 Christmas
Each December, Christmas is celebrated by millions of people around the world, but the holiday has evolved over the years to become many different things for many different people. Many of the Christmas festivities and traditions bring loved ones together for shared fun—like decorating the Christmas tree, baking cookies, listening to Christmas music, and shopping. Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day.
26-1 Kwanzaa
Each of the days of this holiday celebrating African family and social values is dedicated to one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba), and faith (imani). There also are seven symbols of the holiday: fruits, vegetables, and nuts; a straw mat; a candleholder; ears of corn (maize); gifts; a communal cup, signifying unity; and seven candles in the African colors of red, green, and black, symbolizing the seven principles. On each day the family comes together to light one of the candles in the kinara, or candleholder, and to discuss the principle for the day. On December 31, families join in a community feast called the karamu.
26 Boxing Day
Boxing Day was once a day to donate gifts to those in need, but it has evolved to become a part of Christmas festivities. In parts of Europe, 26 December is Saint Stephen’s Day, which is considered the second day of Christmas. In Canada, Boxing Day is a federal statutory holiday and is also recognized as a statutory holiday in Ontario.
