Microsoft Teams Monthly Awareness Backgrounds

December

Summaries for December MS Teams Backgrounds

International Day of Disabilities – December 3^rd

International Day of Persons with Disabilities raises awareness, education, and advocacy for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. Founded in 1992 by the United Nations, it is celebrated around the world. The purpose is to promote understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. What Can I Do: Attend an event or conference with an organization dedicated to persons with disabilities. Volunteer with or donate to a nonprofit organization for disability advocacy and inclusion. Educate yourself on how you can better support someone with a disability. Accessibility is important – be sure to add captions to virtual and live presentations and use inclusive language. Increase awareness of the benefits of having people with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.

International Genocide Prevention Day – December 9^th

September 29, 2015, the United Nations General Assembly established December 9^th as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime. This year marks marks the 74th anniversary of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (CCPCG) which codified, for the first time, the crime of genocide in international law. Its preamble recognizes that “at all periods of history genocide has inflicted great losses on humanity” and that international cooperation is required to “liberate humankind from such an odious scourge”. To date, 153 States have ratified the Convention. What Can I Do: Create a social media campaign raising awareness about contemporary genocide or a mass atrocity. Become a member of an organization such as the Holocaust Museum LA, that empowers individuals and communities to take action to prevent/end genocide. Contact your elected officials and learn more Link to CPPCG.

International Human Rights Day – December 10^th

Since 1948, International Human Rights Day commemorates the United Nation’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), an international charter promoting the rights and freedoms of all human beings. The declaration is a charter that seeks to ensure fairness and respect for all humans despite social, religious, cultural, and economic diversity. What Can I Do: Make the Human Rights Pledge: you can formally sign the pledge on the United Nations Association of the USA’s website. Watch Eleanor Roosevelt’s 1948 speech on human rights. As the first Chair of the United Nation’s Council of Human Rights, she speaks on the first Human Rights Day, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Universal Human Rights. Read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Found in 500 languages, including sign language, we can all learn our inalienable human rights.

International Migrants Day – December 18^th

Every year on 18th December, the world marks International Migrants Day, a day set aside to recognize the important contribution of migrants while highlighting the challenges they face. Regardless of the reasons that compel people to move, migrants and displaced people represent some of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in society, and are often exposed to abuse and exploitation and have limited access to essential services including healthcare. Despite this, migrants have proven to be a source of prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development to countries of origin, transit, and host countries. Their financial contribution through remittance offers a lifeline to families and spur local markets while their role in the labor market remains invaluable as evident on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Their knowledge, networks, and skills have greatly contributed to the development of resilient communities. What Can I Do: Learn more about how migration has positively shaped your community and your ancestry.