World Human Rights Day

World Human Rights Day is an official day of awareness and commemoration observed by the international community every year on 10 December. This date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948. The declaration was adopted during the 183rd plenary session of the General Assembly in Paris and is the first document to systematically outline the fundamental human rights that must be protected at a universal level.

Its official designation was established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 423 (V), adopted on 4 December 1950. This resolution invited all member states and relevant organizations to adopt and observe 10 December each year as Human Rights Day.

Preparation and Adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The declaration was drafted by representatives from different regions of the world with diverse legal and cultural backgrounds. With its preamble and 30 articles, it was adopted on 10 December 1948 and proclaimed by the General Assembly as a “common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations”.

Content

The 30 articles cover a broad spectrum, beginning with the most fundamental right—the right to life, liberty and personal security (Article 3)—and extending to the prohibition of slavery and torture, the right to a fair trial, freedoms of thought, religion, expression, assembly and association, as well as economic, social and cultural rights such as education, work, social security and an adequate standard of living. Article 28 conditions the full realization of these rights and freedoms on the existence of a social and international order. Articles 29 and 30 specify individuals’ duties to the community and state that rights may not be exercised in a manner contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Place and Impact in International Law

Although not legally binding, the declaration is the foundational pillar of international human rights law. Together with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, it forms the International Bill of Human Rights. More than sixty human rights treaties, declarations and mechanisms have been directly or indirectly inspired by the declaration. Today, the general consent of all United Nations member states to the fundamental rights enshrined in the declaration reinforces its universal legitimacy and authority.

Annual Observances and Coordination

Annual events and messages for Human Rights Day are coordinated by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). 10 December is recognized as the day when the universal nature of human rights, the protection of human dignity and the principle of equality are reaffirmed worldwide and efforts to uphold these values are renewed.