December – Longest Nights and Human Rights

Every December, activists around the world observe several international days for human rights, welfare, and dignity. All of the following days resonate more strongly in the pandemic, for different reasons. As we strive through the pandemic to stay united and strong, please take time to consider and act on the following specific causes:

December 1 – World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988 to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic. The 2021 theme is “End Inequalities. End AIDS. End Pandemics.” Please see https://www.unaids.org/en for more background information and actions you can take.

December 3 – International Day of People with Disabilities

This year's theme is "Fighting for rights in the post-COVID era." You can get involved at https://idpwd.org/, or ask your local how to contribute to the work of our differently-abled working group as part of our National Human Rights Committee /en/about-us/committees/national-human-rights-committee.

December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Canada has observed this day since the murders of 14 women at Polytechnique Montréal. December 6 falls within the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Please see our bulletin specifically for this day, remember the 14 women, and join us in working to end gender-based violence.

December 10 – International Human Rights Day

For 2021, the day's theme is Equality - “reducing inequalities, advancing human rights.” More information at https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day.

December 18 – International Migrants Day

The United Nations Development Programme promotes COVID-19 recovery as an opportunity to implement the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and promote equity and rights for migrants worldwide, many of whom migrate for work, which is a significant force in Canada and Québec. https://www.un.org/en/observances/migrants-day

December 20 – International Human Solidarity Day

Too many things divide us as a global community. The pandemic has exacerbated existing conflicts and inequalities in many ways. International Human Solidarity Day is: a day to celebrate our unity in diversity; a day to remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements; a day to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity; a day to encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals including poverty eradication; and a day of action to encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication. Learn and act at https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-solidarity-day.

And let's also remember December 21 is the Winter Solstice, when the Northern Hemisphere observes its longest night and the coming return of light and warmth. Many faith communities have major celebrations close to the solstice, and the secular fact of the solstice is beautiful and inspiring too. Let it be a day to hold your loved ones close, watch hope grow, and think about the love and light we'll generate together in the year to come.

In Solidarity,