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Background Note
About Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on 10 December. It
commemorates the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights. Its formal inception dates from 1950, after the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V) inviting all States and interested organizations to adopt 10 December of each year as Human Rights
Day.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights, as the main UN rights official, and her Office play a
major role in coordinating efforts for the yearly observation of Human Rights Day.
About OHCHR
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) helps protect and promote all human rights around the world. Headquartered in Geneva, the Office is also present in over 40 countries. OHCHR works to ensure the enforcement of universally recognized human rights norms, including through promoting both the universal ratification and implementation of human rights treaties and respect for the rule of law. It also aims to remove obstacles to the full realization of all human rights and to prevent or stop human rights abuses. For more information please visit www.ohchr.org.