Amid rushing around buying gifts and stocking up on Brussels sprouts and Christmas crackers, we mustn’t forget that International Human Solidarity Day is coming up…

It’s easy to get side-tracked with the mayhem that always accompanies the festive period, but essentially this time of year is all about being there for one another and that’s also what International Human Solidarity Day, on 20 December, is all about.

The event which was established by the UN General Assembly in 2005, aims to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity, to encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication and to celebrate our unity in diversity.

It is also a day to remind governments to respect their communities in international agreements and to encourage debates on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement of the new Sustainable Development Goals, which include: no poverty; zero hunger; good health and wellbeing; gender equality; quality education; sustainable cities and communities; climate action; reduced inequalities; clean water and sanitation; peace, justice and strong institutions and many more.

So how can you get involved?

Do your bit for International Human Solidarity Day by supporting the positive  work carried out by organisations such as Amnesty International UK, Human Rights Watch, Islamic Human Rights Commission and Liberty Human Rights.

You can also get involved in the day by using the hashtag #SolidarityDay on social media to spread the word of International Human Solidarity Day and to share your own thoughts and opinions on topics relating to the day such as poverty, gender equality, sanitation and sustainability.

Looking for a human rights charity?

If you wish to seek support, or further information regarding human rights you can find a full list of registered charities in our Charity Choice directory.