20 June 2013 -- There were 42.5 million forcibly displaced people worldwide at the end of 2010, including 15.2 million refugees. 80% of the world's refugees are in developing nations, as are the vast majority of internally displaced people. The purpose of World Refugee Day is to draw attention to the plight of refugees, celebrate their courage and resilience and renew commitment to solving refugee problems. Learn more >>

16 June 2013 -- This Day commemorates the sacrifices made by South African youth, who in 1976 protested the inferior quality of their education. Their peaceful demonstrations were met with violence from law enforcement. The Day also serves to highlight the barriers children continue to face across the continent, including harmful social and cultural practices such as female genital mutilation. Learn more >>

12 June 2013 -- The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 215 million children are involved in child labour. This Day commemorates the landmark ILO Convention No. 182, which addresses the need for action to tackle the worst forms of child labour. While celebrating progress made, the Day highlights continuing challenges, such as the many children employed in domestic work. Learn more >>

3 May 2013 -- Press freedom is considered to be a cornerstone of human rights and a guarantee of other freedoms. Citizens cannot effectively exercise their right to vote or take part in public decision-making if they do not have free access to information and ideas and are not able to freely express their views. Media freedom continues to be under threat worldwide: 90 journalists were killed in 2012. Learn more>>

7 April 2013 -- The Rwandan genocide began on this date in 1994. In three months, Hutu extremists murdered approximately 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutus. As part of this Day, special observances and activities in memory of the genocide's victims are held worldwide. The Day also seeks to support the survivors of the genocide and strengthen the international community's efforts to truly make "never again" a reality. Learn more >> 

The eight Millennium Development Goals range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education, all by the target date of 2015. Learn more >>

Study guides
Introductions to various human rights topics

Other international days

Upcoming courses and training workshops:

- Advocacy Institute 2013
- 3rd Annual Indigenous Peoples' Rights Course & Field Visit in Costa Rica
- Development and Human Rights: Implications for the Globalised World
- Indigenous Peoples' Rights
- International Humanitarian Law (Foundation Course) 
- Women, Peace and Security