On December 18, the United Nations observes International Migrants Day , proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution A/RES/55/93 of December 4, 2000, coinciding with the date on which the General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families ( A/RES/45/158 ) in 1990. In his message for International Migrants Day, the UN Secretary-General highlights that migrants contribute to economic

Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 14 and concludes at nightfall on December 22, 2025. Rooted in Jewish history and faith, the festival commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, and is marked by the lighting of the menorah with its nine candles, each flame a testament to perseverance, memory, and the enduring conviction that light can overcome darkness. While deeply particular in its origins, Hanukkah carries a universal resonance. Across cultures and tra

Nijmegen, Netherlands – Adopting the UN theme for Human Rights Day – “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials” – UPF-Netherlands held an evening program on December 14, 2025, at the parish house of the Antonius van Padua Church in the city of Nijmegen. MC Mr. Joseph Salaris introduced the theme, which emphasizes that “human rights are positive, essential and attainable.” Then Mr. Hans Noot , director of Human Rights Without Frontiers (HWRF) in the Netherlands and co-founder

Paris, France – At UPF headquarters in Paris, UPF-France and the Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) held a meeting on December, 13, 2025, to commemorate the 77th anniversary of Human Rights Day, under the theme, "Human Rights and Our Responsibility." The two organizations, both holding general consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), also marked the close of a symbolic year, celebrating both the 80th anniversary of the United N

Düsseldorf, Germany – To mark Human Rights Day, UPF-Düsseldorf held an evening of shared information and discussion on December 8, 2025. After the welcome, a video of UN Secretary-General António Guterres' address from 2024 set the mood for the topic. H.E. Guterres warned that human rights are under massive pressure worldwide. He criticized the increase in armed conflicts, the strengthening of authoritarian governments and increasing discrimination and violence. He was parti

Rome, Italy – UPF-Italy and the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD-Italy) marked Human Rights Day on December 11, 2025, at the Europa Experience – David Sassoli exhibition space in Rome. The event highlighted freedom of faith, belief and conscience as a cornerstone of peaceful coexistence and European integration. Moderated by Mrs. Gabriella Mieli , head of external relations for UPF-Italy, the conference brought together institutional, academic

Prague, Czech Republic – The history of human rights and their relationship to religious freedom were key topics addressed at a conference to mark Human Rights Day on December 10, 2025, in Prague. Hosted by UPF-Czech Republic, the conference, titled “Human Rights as an Essential Part of Our Daily Lives,” was held at the premises of the Czech Association of Scientific and Technical Societies. Panel speakers addressed these two aspects of human rights. Dr. Roman Joch , directo

Copenhagen, Denmark – Human rights activists and civil society representatives gathered to mark Human Rights Day on December 10, 2025, at the annual Spiritual Human Rights Conference, in Copenhagen and online. Soteria International, together with Human Rights Without Frontiers, the Gerard Noodt Foundation for Freedom of Religion and Belief, the European Muslim Initiative for Social Cohesion, and the Universal Peace Federation, co-hosted the event. Moderated by Mr. Jonathan S

Quezon City, Philippines – The International Media Association for Peace (IMAP) Philippines, in partnership with PEACE PRO Inc., marked its first anniversary with an inspiring celebration that brought together media professionals, chaplain state counselors, educators, tribal leaders, and partner organizations. The event served as a unified call for moral and spiritual values education across the nation. Held in Quezon City on December 10, 2025, the milestone gathering undersc

Bratislava, Slovakia – To recognize Human Rights Day, UPF-Slovakia held a panel discussion on December 10, 2025, at the Bratislava Peace Embassy. The event was titled “Media and Religious Freedom: Do they protect, ignore, or endanger religious minorities and new religions?” After welcoming the audience, UPF-Slovakia president Mr. Miloš Klas quoted the Italian journalist Mario Respinti: “Words, images, and headlines shape public opinion. Such framing can either uphold dignit

London, United Kingdom – In support of the United Nations’ campaign for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, UPF-UK screened the film “Unsilenced” at its headquarters in London on December 9, 2025. The event was co-organized by the National Association of Women’s Organizations (NAWO) and the Justina Mutale Foundation, who advocate dignity, safety and human rights for women and girls. The two organizations held daily awareness-raising sessions throughout the campaign p

On December 10 the international community marks Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris in 1948 as General Assembly Resolution 217 A. The declaration set out, for the first time, a common standard of fundamental rights and freedoms for all people, and has inspired a wide body of international human rights treaties and standards, becoming a foundation for contemporary internati