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International days are key moments on the global calendar dedicated to celebrating, raising awareness and taking action on pressing issues that affect us all.

From honouring human rights to championing environmental sustainability, these days unite organisations, communities, and individuals worldwide. Whether it is advocating for gender equality, fostering peace, or preserving cultural heritage, international days remind us of our shared humanity and the power we hold when we stand together.

In our commitment to championing human rights and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we amplify the communication around numerous international days. On this page, you can find the list of international days that we are observing with an official statement or declaration. On our social media channels, we aim to join our partners in giving visibility to many other occasions.

And our efforts span across the world through a network of more than 140 EU delegations.

Mark the upcoming days on your calendars and give visibility to them. These are the moments when we unite for change - one celebration, one cause, one action at a time.

January

27/01 - International Holocaust Remembrance Day

February

06/02 - International Day of Zero Tolerance against Female Genital Mutilation
Combatting Gender-based Violence

12/02 - International Day against use of Child Soldiers

27/02 - World NGO Day
Human rights defenders

March

08/03 - International Women's Day
Gender Action Plan III & its key areas of EU engagement

21/03 - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

22/03 - World Water Day

April

24/04 - International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
Multilateral relations

May

03/05 - World Press Freedom Day

17/05 - International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia 
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

21/05 - World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
Cultural Relations

June

08/06 - World Oceans Day 
International Ocean Governance

12/06 - International Day against Child Labour
Rights of the Child

13/06 - International Albinism Awareness Day (UN)

19/06 - International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

20/06 - World Refugee Day
Migration & Forced displacement

26/06 - International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
Human Rights & Democracy

October

10/10 - European and World Day Against Death Penalty

24/10 - United Nations Day
The EU and the United Nations

November

02/11 - International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

20/11 - Universal Children's Day
Rights of the Child

25/11 - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Combatting Gender-based Violence

30/11 - Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare
Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Export Control

December

09/12 - International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime

10/12 - Human Rights Day
Human Rights & Democracy

18/12 - International Migrants' Day
Migration & Forced displacement

Related Policy Pages

Human Rights & Democracy

In a shifting geopolitical landscape, the EU has remained a strong defender of human rights. New geopolitical rivalries only serve to underline its role as a reliable and stable partner, and a champion of the rules-based international order.

Read all about EU's activity to protect and promote the respect for Human Rights and Democracy.

Gender & Diversity

Gender equality and women’s empowerment, but also diversity in the broadest sense of the word, are political objectives and priorities of the EU in all of its internal and external policy.

Find out more about EU's external policies on Gender and Diversity.

Climate & Environment

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. The EU promotes the approach of the European Green Deal of a just transition towards sustainable, resource-efficient and climate neutral economies and energy systems.

Learn more about the EU external action on Climate & Environment.

Multilateralism

In today’s world marked by major geopolitical and economic power shifts, multilateralism is still the most effective means to govern global relations in a way that benefits all. The EU stands committed to a renewed multilateralism fit for the 21st century.

Visit our web on the topic of Multilateral Relations.

Cultural Relations

Cultural diversity is one of the emblems of the EU and its Member States and a tool to strengthen cultural relations beyond our borders, to connect people worldwide, to share values, to improve international relations and to learn from each other’s practice.

Explore our web page dedicate to Cultural Relations.