December 2024 Dates & Events

Did you know?

December 2024 is:

• Universal Human Rights Month
• Spiritual Literacy Month
• UK Disability Month

Universal Human Rights Month

The Universal Month for Human Rights began in 1948 when the United Nations drafted a document called the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This was created after the Second World War to prevent the atrocities that had occurred. The document was designed to define the human rights that would be universally protected.

The very first article of this declaration clearly states its purpose:

"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."

Spiritual Literacy Month

This observance was founded by authors Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat in 1996 to promote respect for the world's religions and spiritual traditions. It encourages people to read sacred texts from all religions.

UK Disability History Month (14th - 20th December)

UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is an annual event that provides a platform to focus on the history of the struggle for equality and human rights.

Other important days in December are:

1st December - World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day, observed on 1st December every year since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died from the disease.

2nd December - International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, held on 2nd December, marks the adoption of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others.

3rd December - International Day of Persons with Disabilities 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been observed since 1992, promoting awareness and support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also highlights the benefits of integrating persons with disabilities into every aspect of life. The day was originally called "International Day of Disabled Persons" until 2007.

9th December - International Anti­Corruption Day

International Anti-Corruption Day has been observed annually on 9th December since the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption on 31st October 2003.

10th December - Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is celebrated globally on 10th December. It honours the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly on 10th December 1948. This declaration is one of the UN’s first major achievements and a cornerstone of international human rights.

18th December - International Migrants Day

International Migrants Day, observed on 18th December, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000. It highlights the increasing number of migrants worldwide and promotes the protection of their rights.

20th December - International Human Solidarity Day

The United Nations' International Human Solidarity Day, observed on 20th December, celebrates unity in diversity and raises awareness of the importance of solidarity in eradicating poverty.

21st December - Winter solstice

The winter solstice, also known as the hibernal solstice, occurs when one of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, this marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year.

Coming up in January

Burns Night
Australia Day