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 >> 

21 March 2013 -- On this day in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people peacefully demonstrating in the township of Sharpeville, South Africa against apartheid's "pass laws", which restricted the movements of black South Africans. This Day commemorates the victims of the massacre and serves as an opportunity for the international community to come together to combat racism and discrimination. Learn more >>

8 March 2013 -- This year marks the 102nd observance of International Women's Day. For the women of the world, it is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilise for meaningful change. This year the focus is on ending violence against women. Learn more >>

27 January 2013 -- The United Nations has designated 27 January as an annual International Day of commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. On this date in 1945, Soviet Red Army troops liberated the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. Every member nation of the U.N. has an obligation to honor the memory of Holocaust victims and develop educational programs to help prevent future genocides. Learn more >>

10 December 2012 -- On this day in 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which has become a universal standard for defending and promoting human rights. Every year on 10 December, Human Rights Day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration and recognises that "All human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms". 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
- International Refugee Law and Contemporary Challenges
- Indigenous Peoples' Rights
- International Humanitarian Law (Foundation Course) 
- Women, Peace and Security