National Human Rights Day

National Human Rights Day is a day dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of human rights principles. It commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, a landmark document that outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms every individual is entitled to.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: December 10 annually
  • Tagged as: A day for equality, freedom, and justice
  • What’s the hashtag?: #HumanRightsDay
  • When was it founded?: Officially recognized in 1950
  • Who founded it?: The United Nations General Assembly

History of National Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the UDHR, a document that set out universal rights such as freedom from discrimination, equality before the law, and the right to education. The day was formally established in 1950 through UN resolution 423(V), inviting all nations to celebrate it annually. Over time, it has become a global occasion to reflect on achievements and challenges in human rights advocacy.

Timeline

  • 1948: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted.
  • 1950: The UN officially proclaimed December 10 as Human Rights Day.
  • 1979: Human rights campaigns in Taiwan led to significant political changes.
  • 1983: Argentina’s President Raúl Alfonsín chose December 10 for his inauguration, symbolizing a commitment to human rights.
  • 1996: Nelson Mandela signed South Africa’s first post-apartheid constitution on this day.
  • 2024: The theme is “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.”

Dates by Next Year

YearMonth and DateDay
2024December 10Tuesday
2025December 10Wednesday
2026December 10Thursday
2027December 10Friday
2028December 10Sunday
2029December 10Monday

Observed

Human Rights Day is observed worldwide through various activities such as educational programs, cultural events, protests, and conferences. Governments, NGOs, and individuals use this day to advocate for equality and justice while reflecting on progress made in protecting human rights.

Fun Facts About National Human Rights Day

  • The UDHR has been translated into over 500 languages, making it one of the most translated documents in history.
  • In South Africa, a separate Human Rights Day is observed on March 21 to commemorate the Sharpeville massacre.
  • The United Nations released a commemorative stamp for Human Rights Day in 1952 that received over 200,000 advance orders.

Quiz

  1. When was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted?
  2. Who chaired the committee that drafted the UDHR?
  3. What is the theme for Human Rights Day in 2024?

Answers:

  1. December 10, 1948
  2. Eleanor Roosevelt
  3. “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”

FAQs

  • Why is National Human Rights Day important?
    It raises awareness about human rights issues and encourages global action to protect them.
  • What are some themes of past Human Rights Days?
    Themes have included “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All” and “Stand up for someone’s rights today.”

Related

  • International Day for Tolerance
  • World Press Freedom Day
  • Nelson Mandela International Day