Human Rights Day

Held on 10th December every year

Human rights are 'Basic Rights and Freedoms to which all Humans are entitled'. Examples of Rights and Freedoms include Civil and Political Rights such as The Right To Life And Liberty, Freedom Of Expression and Equality Before The Law and Economic, Social And Cultural Rights, including The Right To Participate In Culture, The Right To Food, The Right To Work and The Right To Education. The World Wars, and the huge losses of life and gross abuses of human rights that took place during them were a driving force behind the development of modern human rights instruments. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted between January 1947 and December 1948. The UN General Assembly adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France, on the December 10, 1948. All states and interested organizations were invited to mark December 10 as Human Rights Day at a UN meeting on December 4, 1950. It aimed to form a basis for human rights all over the world and represented a significant change of direction from events during World War II and the continuing colonialism that was rife in the world at the time. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is considered as the most translated document in modern history. It is available in more than 360 languages and new translations are still being added.

It was first observed on December 10 that year and has been observed each year on the same date. 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. The formal establishment of Human Rights Day occurred at the 317th Plentary Meeting of the General Assembly on 4 December 1950, when the General Assembly declared resolution 423(V), inviting all member states and any other interested organizations to celebrate the day as they saw fit. This day is also an occasion for people worldwide to know and consider the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Events focused on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are held worldwide on and around December 10. Many events aim to educate people, especially children and teenagers, on their human rights and the importance of upholding these in their own communities and further afield. The day may also include protests to alert people of circumstances in parts of the world where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not recognized or respected, or where the importance of these rights are not considered to be important. Cultural events are also organized to celebrate the importance of human rights through music, dance, drama or fine art.

Themes - Each year Human Rights Day has a theme. Some of these themes have focused on people knowing their human rights or the importance of human rights education. Some of these Themes have been Dignity and Justice for All of Us - 2007, Fighting Poverty: A Matter of Obligation, Not Charity - 2006 and Torture and the Global Efforts to Combat it -2005.

Symbols - The UN symbol (an azimuthal equidistant projection of the globe centred on the North Pole surrounded by olive branches) is often associated with Human Rights Day. Copies of the whole Universal Declaration of Human Rights are also regarded as symbolic of Human Rights Day and are often distributed on or around December 10.

Alternate Name - World Human Rights Day

Holiday Status - It is not a public holiday