Inputs by Samyukta Mallick
International Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10th December every year, all around the world. It has been celebrated since 1948.
This was the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The General Assembly had 58 members at that time.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the policy making body of the United Nations. It consists of 193 members, as representatives from their respective countries. They get together to discuss international issues and problems.
The UDHR is a very important document, which declares the rights for every human living on this earth, irrespective of their race, gender, religion, language, or location.
It contains 30 articles. These articles cover the fundamental rights of every human being from equality, dignity, liberty, security, freedom to cruelty, slavery and many others.
The UDHR document has been translated into more than 500 languages.
You can read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights here. An illustrated book can also be read online or downloaded for free here.
The Human Rights Council
The declaration is not legally binding, which means that it is not punishable by law in any country, if not followed. However, the UN has a Human Rights Council which does investigate serious human rights violations in all parts of the world.
On 9th November 2022, the UN Human Rights Council elected Václav Bálek of the Czech Republic as its President for 2023.
2022 Theme
The theme for 2022 is: Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All.
10th December 2023 will mark the 75th Human Rights Day. On 10th December 2022, the UN is starting a year-long campaign to showcase the UN Declaration of Human Rights.
An online photography exhibit called “Photography 4 Humanity” has been organised by the UN.
This exhibit, called The World in Faces, honors Indigenous Peoples’ right to their cultures, identities and traditions.
Activities for you
Pick a Human Right, any one, and write about a time when you helped preserve it. It could be as simple as ensuring that a person was treated with dignity, or something as brave as equal pay for equal work (Article 23).
Make a slogan or a poster celebrating your favourite human right. You can also send it to the UN.
Should some Human Rights be legally enforceable in all member countries? Why or why not? – Send us your thoughts. All good pieces will be published by us.