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Annual observance

Human Rights Day

December 10 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-18

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Overview

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 (UDHR), a milestone document proclaiming 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.

Observed each year on December 10, Human Rights Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: Human Rights Day, observed on December 10, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, a foundational document that asserts the inherent dignity and equal rights of all individuals. This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights and the importance of promoting equality and justice globally.

Origin and story

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the most translated document in the world, available in over 500 languages.

The UDHR was drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world.

Quick facts

  • DateDecember 10
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Share the story of Human Rights Day on social and tag it with #humanrightsday so others can join in.
  • Add Human Rights Day to your Obscure Holiday Calendar app widget so you get a reminder next year.
  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the cultural / community observance vibe and make it a mini tradition.
  • Plan something small on December 10: a quick nod to Human Rights Day with friends, family, or coworkers.
  • Write a note or journal entry on why Human Rights Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.

Fun facts

  • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the most translated document in the world, available in over 500 languages.
  • The UDHR was drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt chaired the UDHR drafting committee and was instrumental in its creation.
  • This day marks the end of the '16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence' campaign.
  • The 2023 theme for Human Rights Day focused on 'Freedom, Equality and Justice for All'.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.

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FAQ

When is Human Rights Day?
It is observed on December 10 each year.
What is Human Rights Day?
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 (UDHR), a milestone document proclaiming 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.
How do people celebrate Human Rights Day?
Share the story of Human Rights Day on social and tag it with #humanrightsday so others can join in.

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