Top 10 Most Prominent Holidays and Commemorations in December

On December 1, 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated December 1 of each year as World AIDS Day worldwide, to enhance global cooperation in combating this disease. UNAIDS (United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) launched its first global campaign on December 1, 1997.

Since then, UNAIDS has launched annual global campaigns to combat HIV/AIDS by selecting special themes related to the epidemiological situation and the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS to closely link the coordination of all United Nations members, government levels, and all sectors of society in the efforts to combat the epidemic of the century.

The themes may vary annually and are used throughout the year to promote global participation in HIV/AIDS prevention and control efforts.

December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), and on this day WHO along with other partners around the world dedicate a day to commemorate everyone.

Over 1 billion people are living with disabilities, and this number is predicted to increase. Partly due to population aging and the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases. However, very few countries have adequate mechanisms to fully meet the health priorities and requirements of people with disabilities.

While disability is associated with disadvantage, not all persons with disabilities experience disadvantage equally. Much depends on the context in which they live and whether they have equal access to health, education, and employment.

As governments and the international community continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and chart a course forward, integrating persons with disabilities is critical in planning, development, and decision-making in health systems. A strong, efficient health system robustly supports managing emergency health situations.

WHO is committed to supporting Member States and development partners in fulfilling the commitment to leave no one behind by addressing the issue of integrating persons with disabilities into the health sector.

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is an annual event organized by the UN (United Nations). It was first organized in 1986. The day is celebrated on December 2nd every year to advocate for freedom, not only for slaves but also to condemn the brutal sex trafficking.

In a press release for the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on December 2nd, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon highlighted the statistics. He also compiled the oppression and brutality of the slave regime for many years. He stated that they exist in various forms. From children being coerced into serving, to forced labor and sex trafficking. Although it is difficult to have an accurate statistical figure, up to 21 million people are estimated to live in slavery. He also issued a stern warning about ending these abuses. He also noted that modern slavery exists in various forms, from children being coerced into serving, farmers on farms, and workers in factories being exploited, to laborers working without pay to repay debts, or victims of sex trafficking. Although it is difficult to obtain an accurate statistical figure, experts estimate that nearly 21 million people worldwide are living in slavery. The world has a responsibility to these individuals and efforts to end this plight.

December 2nd is commemorated by the United Nations to recall the 1949 Convention. Aimed at condemning issues of human trafficking and illegal prostitution. The United Nations General Assembly has passed. With the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, world leaders have set goals to eradicate human trafficking and forced labor, as well as end all forms of slavery and child labor. The UN Secretary-General called on the international community to use this development program as a roadmap for 'uprooting' slavery. In addition, assisting in reintegrating those who have been liberated into normal life.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also urged member states, businesses, private foundations, as well as other philanthropists to demonstrate determination to end slavery by contributing to ensure that the UN Voluntary Trust Fund on Modern Forms of Slavery has sufficient resources for its work.

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery marks December 2nd, 1949 when the UN General Assembly adopted the UN Convention on the Suppression of Trafficking in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others

On December 6, 1989, the Politburo, Central Committee of the Party (VI term) decided to establish the Vietnam Veterans' Association, making December 6th the anniversary day of the association. This association originated from the situation, revolutionary tasks in the new period, and responded to the aspirations of Vietnam's veterans.

After more than half a century of fighting against foreign invaders, there are over 4 million veterans nationwide, all of whom have contributed to the cause of defending the homeland and liberating the nation. From 1930 - 1931, many comrades participated in the Red Self-Defense Force, participated in various guerrilla units such as Ba To guerrilla, Bac Son guerrilla, Nam Ky guerrilla, Vietnam liberation army,... In addition, there were many comrades who participated in the resistance against the French, against the Americans, participating in combat from the days of the August Revolution 1945. Faced with extremely difficult domestic situation and solid political courage, Vietnam veterans wished to establish a unified, legal organization under the leadership of the Party. From the 1980s, Veteran Clubs appeared in some localities to support each other in daily life. On December 6, 1989, the Vietnam Veterans' Association was officially established and December 6 was designated as its annual anniversary.

Since the establishment of the Vietnam Veterans' Association, it has attracted many generations of veterans to participate, the Association quickly formed and developed throughout the country. The establishment of the Vietnam Veterans' Association is one of the important historical milestones, serving as a motivation for them to continue contributing to the construction, promoting the nature, and traditions of 'Uncle Ho's Soldiers'. All members of the Association unite, strive to overcome all challenges, difficulties to fulfill all tasks, actively participate in educating patriotism, love for socialism. The Vietnam Veterans' Association also promotes people's diplomacy, contributing to the successful implementation of the Party's foreign policy, strategy, and policies. At the same time, affirming the position of a political - social organization, deserving the trust of the Party, State, and people's love; building the glorious tradition of the Association: Loyalty - Unity - Exemplary - Innovation. December 6th is one of the holidays, commemorations in December of our country.

International Volunteer Day, also known as IVD (December 5th) is an international observance mandated by the United Nations General Assembly. Established on December 17, 1985, through Resolution A/RES/40/212, it provides an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to contribute to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

IVD is commemorated by many non-governmental organizations, including the Red Cross, Scouts, and others. It is also supported by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program, which values volunteerism, dedication, enthusiasm, and solidarity by mobilizing volunteers for development and promoting the engagement of all people.

In addition to mobilizing thousands of volunteers annually, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program works closely with partners and governments to establish volunteer programs in each country, fostering and sustaining local volunteer activities. Through the Online Volunteering Service, volunteers can contribute to sustainable human development by supporting the activities of development organizations on the Internet.

The theme for IVD 2016 was 'Global Applause – give volunteers a hand' while the message for 2018 was 'Volunteers build Resilient Communities.' IVD 2018 commemorated the volunteer efforts that enhance local resilience and community resilience in the face of disasters, economic pressures, and political shocks. The event on December 5, 2018, focused on how volunteers can build sustainable communities.

December 20th is designated as International Day of Human Solidarity. This occasion serves as a reminder of the importance of solidarity in achieving and attaining international goals, such as the action programs of international conferences and multilateral agreements.

In the invaluable spiritual heritage that President Ho Chi Minh left for future generations, his thoughts on unity and international cooperation are a strategic orientation for the path, foreign policies in particular, for the cause of building and safeguarding the Vietnamese Fatherland in general. President Ho Chi Minh's thoughts on international solidarity contain many rich and extensive contents, clearly and consistently demonstrated through his perception, viewpoints, and actions.

With Resolution 60/209 (December 22, 2005), the United Nations General Assembly declared December 20th of each year as International Human Solidarity Day. Subsequently, in the Millennium Declaration, the top leaders of the State and Government once again affirmed that solidarity is one of the fundamental and universal values, the foundation for relations between nations in the 21st century.

National Resistance Day refers to the event on December 19, 1946, when the conflict between the French Army and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam government erupted along the 16th parallel, encompassing the entire Vietnam.

The urban warfare is the collective term for military activities starting from December 19, 1946, when the President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam government declared the Call for National Resistance and continued until early 1947.

The fierce fighting occurred in urban areas north of the 16th parallel (Da Nang). During this battle, the Vietnamese Army (National Guard) simultaneously advanced into French positions in urban areas of Northern Indochina, besieging the French forces for several months to force the government agencies to retreat to the battle zone. Many historians consider this milestone as the beginning of the First Indochina War.

Christmas is the celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, primarily observed on December 25th each year, a religious and cultural festival celebrated by billions around the world. Christmas is also known as Noel (derived from the root Emmanuel). It is considered an international holiday, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ for Christians.

Originally, Christmas was celebrated by Christians to commemorate the birth of their religious leader, whom they believe to be the Son of God incarnated as a human. However, over time and through Western traditions, Christmas has become increasingly elaborate and formalized. Therefore, Christmas is regarded as an international holiday with Santa Claus, Christmas trees, reindeer, and meaningful Christmas gifts. It is not only a significant religious holiday but also a family day, a special day for everyone in the family to gather and bond together. This holiday will create shared memories and strengthen the emotional bond between family members.

Each family will celebrate Christmas in their own unique ways to build relationships, such as sharing a communal meal, sharing daily stories, staying up all night, or gathering around the Christmas tree and enjoying a cup of hot tea. Additionally, Christmas is also a special day for children, a magical night where almost all their wishes come true. Furthermore, Christmas also sends us a message of peace: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.' This is a verse sung by angels announcing the appearance of the Savior, and this day is also a day for people to share with those who are abandoned, elderly, and lonely.

On December 22, 1944, in Cao Bang, President Ho Chi Minh issued an order to establish the “Vietnam Liberation Propaganda Army.” From the day of its establishment, the army has continuously grown and matured, hence December 22 is designated as the establishment day of the Vietnam People's Army.

In December 1944, President Ho Chi Minh issued an order to establish the “Vietnam Liberation Propaganda Army” with 34 soldiers. This was a propaganda team and also the starting point of the liberation army, which could operate from the South to the North. In the Nguyen Binh forest of Cao Bang province on December 22, 1944, the Vietnam Liberation Propaganda Army held an inauguration ceremony with 3 platoons and 34 soldiers commanded by Vo Nguyen Giap. Comrade Hoang Sam was the platoon leader, Xich Thang (Duong Mac Thach) was the political officer, Hoang Van Thai was in charge of Planning-Intelligence, and Van Tien (Loc Van Lung) managed logistics. The 34 soldiers with 34 guns were courageous and determined in various guerrilla teams in Cao-Bac-Lang, Rescue Army, etc. They had a strong sense of patriotism and hatred for the enemy, so they were tightly knit into an unbreakable unit.

At 5:00 PM on December 25, 1944, and 7:00 AM on December 26, 1944, the Vietnam Liberation Propaganda Army raided Na Ngan outpost, destroyed 2 enemy outposts, killed 2 outpost commanders, captured all the soldiers alive, and seized all weapons, uniforms, and military equipment. Since its establishment, the Vietnam Liberation Propaganda Army has achieved many feats, continuously developing and maturing. Therefore, December 22, 1944, is designated as the establishment day of the Vietnam People's Army. According to the directive of the Central Party Committee and the decision of the Government in 1989, December 22 is not only the anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam People's Army but also the National Defense Day for the whole people.

International Day of Epidemic Preparedness is an international day that encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to commemorate the International Day annually '... in a manner that is appropriate to the context and priorities of the country, through education and awareness-raising activities, to highlight the importance of prevention, preparedness, and cooperation in tackling epidemics.' The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, proposed by Vietnam, was unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution on December 7, 2020, designating December 27 as this international day.

The clear impetus for designating a specific day for this theme comes from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has not yet concluded and remains uncontrolled. The World Health Organization, as well as governments and leaders worldwide, have recognized that 'There is a need for a strong and resilient health system that reaches vulnerable populations or situations prone to harm.' And specifically, 'There is a need to raise awareness, exchange information, scientific knowledge and best practices, quality education, and advocacy programs on epidemic policy at the local, national, regional and global levels on effective epidemic prevention and response measures.'

Many countries and regions welcome increased attention to this theme. At the same time, commemorating this International Day can better equip them for future challenges, not only for COVID-19 but also for future events.