Dates significant to human rights and diversity
Mark your calendar with dates significant to human rights and diversity. The United Nations (UN) designates international days to focus the world on the issues in which the UN has an interest and commitment. The following dates are recognized by the United Nations, the Government of Canada or the Alberta Government. Plan or attend events that recognize and celebrate these dates.
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Download and print Celebrate All Year Round. This attractive flyer includes a list of days significant to human rights and diversity.
January
January 27
International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
Honour Holocaust victims and learn how to prevent future acts of genocide.
February
Black History Month
Celebrate the contributions of the Black community to our country, province and community.
More information on Black History Month
First week in February
International Development Week
Discover how Canada and Canadians are impacting others around the world.
February 21
International Mother Language Day
Promote multilingual education, and encourage linguistic diversity.
March
March 8
International Women's Day
Celebrate the progress made in the rights of women
March 21
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
End racism and foster inclusion, respect and equality for all people.
Raise awareness of racism
March 21 - 28
Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination
Work together to eradicate racism.
April
April 17
Equality Day
Celebrate the anniversary of Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that provides for equality.
April/May
Date dependent on the Jewish calendar
Holocaust Memorial Day (Yom ha-Shoah)
Reflect on the enduring lessons of the Holocaust, raise awareness and endeavour to end genocide, persecution, racism and hatred.
May
Asian Heritage Month
Celebrate the contributions of the Asian community to our country, province and community.
May 15
International Day of Families
Take time for your family.
May 17
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
Eliminate stigma and discrimination faced by gay, lesbian and transgender populations.
May 21
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
Implement policies that recognize the benefits of our diversity.
June
June 20
World Refugee Day
Advocate for the rights of refugees.
June 21 - July 1
Celebrate Canada
Eleven days of celebrations including:
National Aboriginal Day June 21
Saint-Jean Baptiste Day June 24
Multiculturalism Day June 27
Canada Day July 1
June 21
National Aboriginal Day
Learn more about Aboriginal cultures.
June 24 Saint-Jean Baptiste Day
Enjoy French Canadian culture and celebrate their contributions to Canadian society.
June 27
Multiculturalism Day
Take pride in your ancestry and create opportunities for everyone to feel welcome.
July
July 1
Canada Day
Celebrate what it means to be Canadian.
July 18
Nelson Mandela International Day
Strive for a democratic and free society in which everyone lives together in harmony and with equal opportunities.
August
First Monday in August
Alberta Heritage Day
Recognize the cultural heritage of Alberta and celebrate your own.
August 9
International Day of the World's Indigenous People
Learn more about Canada's Aboriginal peoples.
August 12
International Youth Day
Acknowledge the youth in your life.
September
September 8
International Literacy Day
Reflect on the right to an education and the role literacy plays in our lives.
September 21
International Day of Peace
Work for peaceful resolution of conflicts in your family, your community and in our society.
October
Women's History Month
Celebrate the contributions of women to Canadian society.
October 1
International Day of Older Persons
Honour the contributions older people make in your community.
October 10
World Mental Health Day
Take care of your mental health and wellbeing.
October 11
International Day of the Girl Child
Recognize girls' rights and the unique issues facing girls around the world.
October 17
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Support efforts to eliminate poverty.
October 18
Persons Day
Mark the anniversary of women being declared "persons" in law.
Third week in October
Citizenship Week
Show you are proud to be Canadian.
October 24
United Nations Day
Celebrate and education about the work of the United Nations.
November
Family Violence Prevention Month
Prevent and end family violence.
November 5 - 11
Veterans Week
Reflect on the many Canadian men and women who gave their lives to protect our democratic way of life.
Third week in November
National Bullying Awareness Week
Prevent bullying in our communities, schools and workplaces.
November 16
International Day for Tolerance
Move beyond tolerance to acceptance and inclusion.
November 20
Universal Children's Day
Celebrate those rights that allow children to grow and prosper without harm.
Fourth Saturday in November
Ukrainian Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) Memorial Day
Remember the victims and educate to prevent future acts of genocide
November 25
International Day to End Violence Against Women
Work to end gender violence.
November 25 - December 10
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence
Prevent violence in all its forms.
December
December 2
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
Discuss circumstances for how slavery can continue and work to eliminate them.
December 3
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Raise awareness of the needs and concerns of disabled people.
December 6
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Remember the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre when 14 women were murdered at École Polytechnique and speak out about violence against women.
December 10
Human Rights Day
Celebrate our human rights and fundamental freedoms by hosting an event, undertaking an activity or taking action.
More information on Human Rights Day
Revised: September 3, 2014