Human rights Day also called HRD is celebrated annually across the world on 10 December every year.
The date was chosen to honour the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption and proclamation, on 10 December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the first global enunciation of human rights and one of the first major achievements of the new United Nations.
The formal establishment of Human Rights Day occurred at the 317th Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly on 4 December 1950, when the General Assembly declared resolution 423(V), inviting all member states.
Past Observances
- 2017-2018: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 70
- 2016: Stand Up for Someone’s Rights Today
- 2015: Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always.
- 2014: #Rights365
- 2013: 20 Years Working for Your Rights
- 2012: My Voice Counts
- 2011: Celebrate Human Rights!
- 2010: Speak up, Stop Discrimination
- 2009: Embrace Diversity, End Discrimination
- 2007 – 2008: 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- 2006: Fighting Poverty – a Matter of Obligation, not Charity
- 2005: Torture and the Global Efforts to Combat it
- 2004: Human Rights Education
Human rights are at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as in the absence of human dignity we cannot drive sustainable development. Human Rights are driven by progress on all SDGs, and the SDGs are driven by advancements on human rights. Find out how UN agencies strive to put human rights at the centre of their work.
2019 Human Rights Day Material:
#StandUp4HumanRights
- Human rights are relevant to all of us, every day
- Our shared humanity is rooted in these universal values
- Equality, justice and freedom prevent violence and sustain peace
- Whenever and wherever humanity’s values are abandoned, we all are at greater risk
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all
- We need to stand up for our rights and those of others
Never too young to change the world
- Youth participation is essential to achieve sustainable development for all
- Youth can play a crucial role in positive change
- Empowering youth to better know and claim their rights will generate benefits globally
United Nations works for human rights and inspiring people worldwide to take a stand such following:
Take a Stand against bullying
Everyone has the right to be safe and be treated with dignity. Across the world, 1/3 of teens experience bullying, in person or online. Youth activists across the world are standing up when people are harassed or mistreated, fighting to protect the rights of others.
Young people are powerful. Follow their lead and #StandUp4HumanRights.
Take a stand for climate justice
Think young people can’t start a global movement? 16-year-old Greta Thunberg led the largest climate protest in history *4 MILLION* people strong. (Spanning 163 countries on all 7 continents!)
Young people are standing up to protect their future. Climate change threatens our basic human rights. Follow the lead of young people!.
Take a stand for everyone’s voice to be heard
There are estimated 45,000 Members of Parliaments worldwide, but only 2% are under 30 years old. Even though young people are among those most affected by the economic, social and environmental challenges facing the world today, they are not adequately represented within their governments.
Youth have the right to participate in decision-making and have their voices heard.
Stand up for the equal rights of LGBT people everywhere
Youth are standing up for equal rights and fair treatment of LGBTI people everywhere. Close to a third of the world’s countries criminalize same-sex relationships. This leads to widespread discrimination against LGBTI people and threatens their basic rights.
Human rights are for everyone – no matter who you are or whom you love.
Courtesy: United Nations