Human Rights Day is celebrated annually across the world on December 10th. Established by the United Nations, it commemorates the day on which the global organization adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a powerful document that sets out the essential rights and freedoms that all individuals are entitled to.
This day serves as a reminder to people around the world of the inalienable rights and dignity that every person deserves, irrespective of their race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
History of Human Rights Day
The annual observance of Human Rights Day on December 10 is a global recognition established by the United Nations (UN). This date is chosen to commemorate the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The origin of this significant day dates back to the aftermath of the Second World War, marking the establishment of the UN in 1945. The UN assembly’s primary goals centred around promoting and safeguarding human rights and individual freedoms.
In 1948, the UN General Assembly passed the UDHR, the first global declaration of essential human rights. This document sets out the inalienable rights everyone is inherently entitled to as human beings, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, or any other status. This document, composed by individuals from various legal and cultural backgrounds worldwide, is considered a landmark in the history of human rights advocacy.
Interestingly, the formal adoption of the UDHR is what sparked the idea for Human Rights Day. On December 10, 1948, this critical document was approved, which led the UN General Assembly to declare in 1950 that this date would be remembered as Human Rights Day. This day serves as a vital reminder to people and governments of the core human rights that everyone should enjoy.
Every year, the celebrations take on a different theme, reflecting a crucial aspect of human rights. Take the 2022 event, which was themed “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All”, emphasizing the fundamental principles upon which the human rights movement is based. It reminds us of the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family.
Human Rights Day Timeline
Magna Carta
King John of England signs the Magna Carta which sets out certain legal rights for subjects.
United Nations Charter
The United Nations Charter is signed, establishing the United Nations and affirming a commitment to promoting human rights.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The United Nations General Assembly adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Human Rights Day
UN General Assembly declares December 10th as Human Rights Day.
Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action
The World Conference on Human Rights adopts the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, reaffirming the commitment to human rights.
Human Rights Defenders Declaration
The United Nations adopts the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, recognising the role and protection of human rights activists.
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People
The United Nations General Assembly adopts the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Ideas to Celebrate Human Rights Day
Creating Awareness through Webinar
Organize a webinar inviting well-known human rights activists to discuss various topics concerning the current issues and solutions towards achieving total human rights. This event could be open to everyone, including students, professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about human rights.
Multicultural Food Festival
Organize a multicultural food festival that could highlight the idea of cultural diversity and human rights. Each participating community or group can display their culture's unique cuisines, emphasizing the idea of unity in diversity and respect for all cultures.
Donate to Human Rights Organizations
Encourage people to donate money or supplies to organizations that fight for human rights. Make a list of reputable organizations from different areas: children's rights, women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, refugee rights, etc. and share it with your community.
Social Media Campaign
Start a social media campaign focusing on human rights. Share stories, articles, pictures, and videos pertaining to human rights. Encourage other people to share and contribute to the campaign to make it viral.
Awareness Walk/Run
Organized a themed walk/run event dedicated to human rights. This can create a sense of community and promote physical health while raising awareness to the public about the significance of human rights.
7 Interesting Facts About Human Rights
Oldest Document on Human Rights
The Cyrus Cylinder, created by Cyrus the Great in 539 B.C is considered as the first document on human rights. It set a standard for treatment of subjects, freedom of religion and prohibited enslavement.
Universal Declaration
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which lists 30 rights all humans should have, is the most translated document in the world. It is available in more than 500 languages.
Cultural Differences
The understanding and interpretation of human rights can vary dramatically among different cultures and nations. This often results in various human rights controversies.
Creation of Human Rights Law
The atrocities committed during World War II led to the first comprehensive codification of human rights in international law.
First Modern Human Rights Concept
The first modern human rights concept was established in England with the Magna Carta of 1215. It introduced the idea that the authority of the governance is subject to legal and moral boundaries.
Special Protection Rights
There are special protection rights, like the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, which focus on protecting specific groups from discrimination.
Human Rights' Impact on Everyday life
Human rights protect various aspects of everyday life, including the right to life, freedom of speech, right to work, right to education, and right to healthcare.
Human Rights Day FAQs
Next Human Rights Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 10th | Sunday |
| 2024 | December 10th | Tuesday |
| 2025 | December 10th | Wednesday |
| 2026 | December 10th | Thursday |
| 2027 | December 10th | Friday |
| What is the pattern? | Every December 10th | |
Human Rights Day Word Search
- Equality
- Freedom
- Justice
- Respect
- Dignity
- Rights