Human Rights Day 10 December 2017

Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt of the United States, chair of the drafting committee, holding a Universal Declaration of Human Rights poster in English. UN Photo (1949)

“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home — so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. […] Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 70

Let’s stand up for equality, justice and human dignity

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December – the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year, Human Rights Day kicks off a year-long campaign to mark the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being — regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. It is the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages.

Drafted by representatives of diverse legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration sets out universal values and a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. It establishes the equal dignity and worth of every person. Thanks to the Declaration, and States’ commitments to its principles, the dignity of millions has been uplifted and the foundation for a more just world has been laid. While its promise is yet to be fully realized, the very fact that it has stood the test of time is testament to the enduring universality of its perennial values of equality, justice and human dignity.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all. The principles enshrined in the Declaration are as relevant today as they were in 1948. We need to stand up for our own rights and those of others. We can take action in our own daily lives, to uphold the rights that protect us all and thereby promote the kinship of all human beings.

#StandUp4HumanRights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all.
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.
We need to stand up for our rights and those of others.

Add your voice for
Human Rights

Record yourself reading an article of the declaration in your own language and team up with activists, authors and world leaders for human rights.
Record Now Watch Recordings

Read the illustrated version of the declaration

Children in Balochistan Province, Pakistan. UN Photo/Amjad Jamal

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights holds the Guinness World Record as the most translated document. Yet, far too many people are still unaware of their basic rights as human beings.

Human rights are everyone’s rights. Know your rights, and help spread the word:

Read and share the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Find it here in more than 500 languages.

Watch people around the world recite articles of the Declaration in their language, and record yourself.

Listen to an audio recording of the Declaration in your native language and contribute a recording to make the Declaration more accessible.

Read a simplified version or the illustrated booklet of the Declaration.

Watch the Declaration in sign languages.

A voter displays proof of having exercised her voice at the ballot box in Timore-Leste’s parliamentary elections. UN Photo/Martine Perret

Messages

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein

Rwandan music group performs at Human Rights Day cartoon exhibit opening. UN Photo/Mark Garten

Events

10 December 2017

Launch of year-long campaign for the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Location: Palais de Chaillot, Paris, France
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Speakers: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein and Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo

11 December 2017

Human Rights Day events at United Nations Headquarters
Location: UN Visitors Lobby, New York, USA
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Speakers: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, other details to follow

Around the world

UN Information Centres are organizing events and activities, including in Antananarivo, Canberra, Dakar, Islamabad, Jakarta, Lima, Lusaka, Mexico, Moscow, Ouagadougou, Panama, Port of Spain, Pretoria, Tehran and Yerevan.

Children from the United Nations International Nursery School look at a poster of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. UN Photo (1950)

Resources

Vertical Logo

Download the vertical logo in EPS PNG JPG. See Guidelines.

Past observances

Download the horizontal logo in EPS PNG JPG. See Guidelines.

Source: UN Events