Human Rights Day ⚖

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.

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

People also viewed

Ways to celebrate

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in Paris in 1948, a direct response to the atrocities of World War II — it's since been translated into more than 500 languages, more than any other document in history.

Read the source document

Celebrate by:

• Actually reading the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, or at least a few of its 30 articles, instead of just knowing it exists.
• Picking one right from the Declaration and thinking about where it's still contested today.

See the official history

Helpful resources:

• Human Rights Day (United Nations)

Take it further

• Supporting or learning about an organization that works on a human rights issue you care about.

Did you know?

The UN General Assembly didn't formally establish December 10 as Human Rights Day until 1950, two years after the Declaration itself was adopted, once resolution 423 (V) invited all member states to observe it annually.

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

Human Rights Day (United Nations)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Continue your streak

Open one more holiday before you go to build daily momentum.

• Yesterday: Christmas Card DayQuick context from the day before.
• Tomorrow: Have a Bagel DayKeep the streak going with tomorrow's pick.
• Random pick: Lost Sock Memorial DayJump to another surprise holiday.
• Popular: National Llama Awareness DayA fan favorite with broad appeal.

Related holidays

• Singles Awareness DayExplore another holiday from this category.
• Bill of Rights DayExplore another holiday from this category.
• Bill of Rights DayExplore another holiday from this category.

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?

Read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in Paris in 1948 and since translated into more than 500 languages.

Recently viewed holidays