collage of photos depicting school girl, two elderly women and young man with Down syndrome
Human rights play a critical role as a preventive, protective and transformative force in addressing people's greatest concerns.
Photo:OHCHR

Human rights are under assault [...] This year’s theme reminds us that human rights are about building the future — right now [...] We must stand up for all rights — always."

UN Secretary-General António Guterres's message, 2024

Human Rights Day and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Human Rights Day is observed annually around the world on 10 December. It commemorates the anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is 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.

The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 and sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.  

As a “common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations”, the UDHR is a global blueprint for international, national, and local laws and policies and a bedrock of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.

It is available in 577 languages, from Abkhaz to Zulu, making the UDHR the most translated document in the world.

2024 Theme: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.

Human rights can empower individuals and communities to forge a better tomorrow. By embracing and trusting the full power of human rights as the path to the world we want, we can become more peaceful, equal and sustainable.

This Human Rights Day we focus on how human rights are a pathway to solutions, playing a critical role as a preventative, protective and transformative force for good. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said, “Human rights are the foundation for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.”

This year’s theme is a call to acknowledge the importance and relevance of human rights in our everyday lives. We have an opportunity to change perceptions by speaking up against hate speech, correcting misinformation and countering disinformation. This is the time to mobilize action to reinvigorate a global movement for human rights.

 

UDHR cover

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights.

arrow with the words Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now

Film screening in New York

United Nations Human Rights, together with the Permanent Missions of Germany and New Zealand, invites you to join us on TUESDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2024, at 6 PM in the Auditorium of GERMAN HOUSE (871 UN Plaza), for a discussion on human rights, climate action & future generations, followed by a screening of the film High Tide Don’t Hide.

Invitation [pdf] RSVP
Elyx illustrated UDHR articles

The first animated version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created through the United Nations partnership with French digital artist YAK (Yacine Ait Kaci) – whose illustrated character Elyx is the first digital ambassador of the United Nations. The animation uses symbolic movements to bring to life the 30 Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

little girl in indigenous dress

Explore the works of talented amateur and professional photographers from exhibitions for the general public that have been showcased over the years at United Nations Headquarters. Some of the human rights topics covered are indigenous peoples' rights, the Nazi genocide of the Roma and Sinti, sexual violence in conflict, and the plight of the Palestinian people.

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.