Important Human Rights Dates
January 17 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
“Martin Luther King Jr., Day is observed on the third Monday in January to honour the achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., led the struggle against racial discrimination in the USA, inspiring supporters with the power of his rhetoric. He advocated for the principle of non-violent protest, affirming that opposition should be tackled with compassion rather than aggression.”
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MLK’s Dream. Our Fight. – Black Lives Matter
16 MLK Quotes to Remember- Amnesty International
January 27 – International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
“Every year around 27 January, UNESCO pays tribute to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to counter antisemitism, racism, and other forms of intolerance that may lead to group-targeted violence.
“The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops on 27 January 1945. It was officially proclaimed, in November 2005, International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust by the United Nations General Assembly.”
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February – Black History Month
“During Black History Month, people in Canada celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation it is today.
“Black History Month is about honouring the enormous contributions that Black people have made, and continue to make, in all sectors of society. It is about celebrating resilience, innovation, and determination to work towards a more inclusive and diverse Canada—a Canada in which everyone has every opportunity to flourish.”
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February 1-7- World Interfaith Harmony Week
“The UN General Assembly, has declared the first week of February each year as World Interfaith Harmony week.
“Recognizing the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people, the General Assembly encourages all States to spread the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during that week, on a voluntary basis and according to their own religious traditions or convictions.”
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February 20 – World Day of Social Justice
“On 26 November 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared that 20 February will be celebrated annually as the World Day of Social Justice.
“The General Assembly recognizes that social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security within and among nations and that, in turn, social development and social justice cannot be attained in the absence of peace and security, or in the absence of respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
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February 21 – International Mother Language Day
“International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999.
“International Mother Language Day recognizes that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goals’ focus on leaving no one behind.”
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March 8 – International Women’s Day
“Marked annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about women’s equality, lobby for accelerated gender parity, and fundraise for female-focused charities.”
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March 21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
“The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid ‘pass laws’ in 1960.
“In 1979, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a programme of activities to be undertaken during the second half of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. On that occasion, the General Assembly decided that a week of solidarity with the peoples struggling against racism and racial discrimination, beginning on 21 March, would be organized annually in all states.”
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March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery
“For over 400 years, more than 15 million men, women and children were the victims of the tragic transatlantic slave trade, one of the darkest chapters in human history.
“Every year on 25 March, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade offers the opportunity to honor and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system. The International Day also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice today.”
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April 7 – World Health Day
“April 7 of each year marks the celebration of World Health Day. From its inception at the First Health Assembly in 1948 and since taking effect in 1950, the celebration has aimed to create awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization.
“Over the past 50 years this has brought to light important health issues such as mental health, maternal and childcare, and climate change. This celebration is marked by activities which extend beyond the day itself and serves as an opportunity to focus worldwide attention on these important aspects of global health.”
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April 17 – Equality Day (Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Day)
Equality Day is celebrated every April 17 “to mark the coming into force of the equality provisions in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Charter was signed on April 17, 1982. However, Section 15 of the Charter on equality rights and freedoms for all without discrimination, was implemented on April 17, 1985, three years later.”
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April 22 – Earth Day
“The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 22 April as International Mother Earth Day. The Day recognizes the Earth and its ecosystems as humanity’s common home and the need to protect her to enhance people’s livelihoods, counteract climate change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity.”
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May 5- National Day of Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (Red Dress Day)
“In Canada alone, there have been approximately 4000 or more Indigenous murdered or missing women and girls in the last 30 years. That works out to about 133 a year, or 3 a week.”
The National Day of Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women is observed on May 5.
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The REDress Project- Jaime Black
May 17 – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
“The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was created in 2004 to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
“The date of May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.”
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May 21- World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
“In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, and in December 2002, the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249, declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
“The day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to advance the four goals of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted on 20 October 2005.”
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June- September- LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Season
“In Canada, local Pride events span over the course of several months. Pride Season is a unifying term that refers to the period between June and September when LGBTQ2 communities and allies come together at different times throughout the summer to spotlight the resilience, talent, and contribution of LGBTQ2 communities in many Canadian cities.
“Historically, pride gatherings emerged from the first large-scale protests for LGBTQ2 rights, which took place in Canada with demonstrations in Ottawa and Vancouver in 1971.
“By 1973, Pride events were held in several Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Saskatoon and Winnipeg. Toronto’s Pride weekend in June is now among the largest Pride events in North America.”
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Egale- Pride Inside
June 4- Wolastoq Treaty Day (1726 Treaty)
“Treaty Day marks the 1726 signing of Mascarene’s Treaty between the British and the Maliseet chiefs.
“The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that the Peace and Friendship Treaties continue to be legally binding documents today. Both federal and provincial governments are legally obligated to respect Wolastoqey/Wəlastəkwey treaty rights to use land and resources.”
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June 20 – World Refugee Day
“World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.”
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June 21 – National Indigenous People’s Day
“June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples.
“In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.”
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June 26 – United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
“The UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June marks the moment in 1987 when the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, one of the key instruments in fighting torture, came into effect. Today, the Convention has been ratified by 162 countries.”
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August 9 – International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed on August 9th, the day of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations that took place in 1982. As noted by the United Nations, on this day “people from around the world are encouraged to spread the UN’s message on the protection and promotion of the rights of Indigenous peoples.”
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August 12- International Youth Day
International Youth Day is observed each year on August 12th. As stated by the United Nations, “International Youth Day brings youth issues to the attention of the international community while celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.”
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August 15 – National Acadian Day
“The Acadian people, pioneers, and builders of the country have celebrated Acadian Day on August 15 since 1881, the year in which the first national Acadian convention was held in Memramcook, New Brunswick. The National Acadian Day Act was passed by the Government of Canada in 2003.
“Events during the celebrations of National Acadian Day on August 15 highlight the contribution of Acadians to the Canadian cultural fabric, recognize their historical presence on the land, and celebrate their cultural specificity in all its diversity.”
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August 22- International Day of Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
“The United Nations adopted the resolution titled ‘International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief’ to strongly condemn continuing violence and acts of terrorism targeting individuals, including persons belonging to religious minorities, on the basis of or in the name of religion or belief.
“By proclaiming the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, the General Assembly recalled that States have the primary responsibility to promote and protect human rights, including the human rights of persons belonging to religious minorities, including their right to exercise their religion or belief freely.”
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August 23- International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is commemorated on August 23rd. The date originates from the night of August 23rd, 1791 in Santo Domingo that “saw the beginning of the uprising that would play a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.”
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September 15 – New Brunswick Human Rights Day
“Each year, New Brunswick Human Rights Day is celebrated on September 15th to mark the anniversary of the adoption of the New Brunswick Human Rights Act in 1967.”
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September 21 – International Day of Peace
“Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981, the International Day of Peace is observed annually on September 21st as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.”
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September 30- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day)
“National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed on September 30th to honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.”
“This day provides an opportunity for each public servant to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools. This may present itself as a day of quiet reflection or participation in a community event.”
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Begin your learning journey (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)
Federal Statutory Holiday: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Canada.ca
October- LGBTQIA2S+ History Month
“Separate from Pride Month, LGBT History Month was created in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher in Missouri, to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history. October was picked to coincide with National Coming Out Day, which is celebrated in Canada, the United States, and some countries in Europe.”
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October 1- Mi’kmaq Treaty Day (1752 Treaty)
“In 1986, October 1st was proclaimed as Treaty Day to commemorate the key role of treaties in the relationship between the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq and the Crown.
“By celebrating Treaty Day, we are giving thanks to the Mi’kmaw and the Crown for signing treaties of peace and friendship.”
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October 1 – International Day of Older Persons
“The United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons on December 14, 1990.
“The International Day of Older Persons was adopted to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.”
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October 2 – International Day of Non-Violence
“The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on October 2nd, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non- violence. “According to the General Assembly, the International Day of Non-Violence is an occasion to ‘disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.’”
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October 4- National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
“National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is observed annually on October 4th as a call to bring an end to the injustices suffered by Canada’s Indigenous Women and Girls.”
“October 4th is a day when we honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people, supporting grieving families, and create opportunities for healing.”
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October 10 – World Mental Health Day
“World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10 to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
“The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.”
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October 11- National Coming Out Day
“October 11 marks National Coming Out Day, a day to celebrate the LGBTQIA2S+ members of our communities. The Day seeks to celebrate those that decide to come out, to offer support to those who need it, and to raise awareness around the difficulties of coming out.”
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October 17 – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
“The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on October 17 and can be traced back to October 17, 1987 where over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadero in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence, and hunger.
“Every year on October 17, people around the world join together to renew their commitment and show their solidarity with the victims of extreme poverty, violence, and hunger.”
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October 18 – Person’s Day
Persons Day is celebrated on October 18 to recognize the historic decision to include women in the legal definition of “persons,” which occurred on October 18, 1929.
“Although this decision did not include all women, such as Indigenous women and women of Asian heritage and descent, it did mark critical progress in the advancement of gender equality in Canada.”
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October 24 – United Nations Day
“United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.”
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October 26- International Intersex Awareness Day
“October 26 marks International Intersex Awareness Day, a day to encourage dialogue and raise awareness on the human rights violations faced by intersex people.”
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November- Holocaust Remembrance Month
“Holocaust Education Month is observed during the month of November to promote the legacy and lessons of the Holocaust. This Month provides an opportunity to learn about the Holocaust and to understand the role of education in combatting anti-Semitism.”
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November 13-19- Transgender Awareness Week
“Transgender Awareness Week marks a time to celebrate and honor the trans community and raise awareness around the continued adversity that trans people face in our society.”
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November 20 – Transgender Day of Remembrance
“Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
“Transgender Day of Remembrance was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester’s death, and began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.”
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November 20 – World Children’s Day
“World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day and is celebrated on November 20 each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare.
“November 20th is an important date as it is the date in 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It is also the date in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“Since 1990, World Children’s Day also marks the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and the Convention on children’s rights.”
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November 25 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
“On November 25, 1960, the Mirabal sisters were brutally assassinated because of their identity as women and activists. Their only crime was having fought for their rights against the Dominican dictator, Rafael Trujillo. On 20 December 1993, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 48/104 for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
“To solidify this decision, in 1999 the General Assembly proclaimed November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
“The Day marks the beginning of 16 days of activism that concludes on 10 December—International Human Rights Day.”
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International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women | United Nations
December 2 – International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
“The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, 2 December, marks the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others.
“The focus of this day is on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, the worst forms of child labour, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict.”
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December 3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities
“The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.”
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December 10 – International Human Rights Day
“Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December—the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone document that proclaims the inalienable rights which everyone is entitled to as a human being—regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other statuses.”
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December 17 – Anti-Bullying Day
“December 17 was designated by the provincial government as Anti-bullying Day, also known as Blue Day. To mark the occasion, people are encouraged to show their support of anti-bullying awareness and education in schools and workplaces by wearing blue clothing.”
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December 20 – International Human Solidarity Day
“Solidarity is identified in the Millenium Declaration as one of the fundamental values of international relations in the 21st Century, wherein those, who either suffer or benefit least deserve help from those who benefit most. Consequently, in the context of globalization and the challenge of growing inequality, strengthening of international solidarity is indispensable.
“Therefore, the UN General Assembly, convinced that the promotion of the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing is important for combating poverty, proclaimed 20 of December as International Human Solidarity Day.”
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