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Universal Human Rights Month – December 2020

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We have seen our share of cruelty and hate. We can do better. That’s why the world is observing Universal Human Rights Month during December. This month is a reminder that the United Nations General Assembly codified the basic human rights of every person. It’s also a time to reflect on the way we treat others, and to do what we can in the fight for equality.

Universal Human Rights Month timeline

December 9, 2001

Human Rights Week began

President George W. Bush declared the first Human Rights Week (it has since become a monthlong worldwide holiday).

December 4, 1950

The UN expanded its role

The General Assembly invited all member states and other interested organizations to celebrate Human Rights Day.

December 10, 1948

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The General Assembly of the United Nations outlined the basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which we're entitled.

How to Observe Universal Human Rights Month

  1. Reread the Bill of Rights

    Research what these freedoms mean to you. This time of understanding also honors the work of those who brought them into existence.

  2. Do some volunteering

    Organizations such as Amnesty International (a charity that works to support and spread awareness of human rights) are always looking for volunteers. Do your part to help protect others.

  3. Give back to your community

    Help those who are hurting in your own community. After all, to start changing the world, sometimes you just need to start locally.

3 Humbling Facts About Universal Human Rights Month

  1. 70th anniversary

    The Universal Declaration of Human Rights emphasizes human rights — regardless of gender, age, race, political affiliation, or sexual preference.

  2. Multilingual

    The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been translated into more than 500 languages — more than any other document in the world.

  3. Causes for celebration

    Cultural events and exhibitions take place — all surrounding human rights issues.

Why Universal Human Rights Month is Important

  1. It allows us to reflect

    Human Rights Month is a powerful holiday, as it allows us to look back on the ways we’ve treated our fellow human beings.

  2. It reminds us of our ideals

    These include individual freedoms which we must fight to protect.

  3. It empowers us

    The principles in the Declaration of Independence are still relevant today. This fact should empower each of us to stand up for ourselves, our own rights, and for the rights of others.

Universal Human Rights Month dates

YearDateDay
2020December 1Tuesday
2021December 1Wednesday
2022December 1Thursday
2023December 1Friday
2024December 1Sunday