Human Rights Day

What Is Human Rights Day?

December 10th is "Human Rights Day." It commemorates December 10, 1948, when the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Designated as an international observance by the UN in 1950, the day aims to spread the spirit of the Declaration and raise awareness of human rights protection and promotion.

What Is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

The Declaration consists of 30 articles setting out the rights every person is born with, including freedom, equality, life, security, education, work, and freedom of expression. Though not legally binding, it became the historic foundation for later international human rights treaties, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Human Rights Issues Today

• Freedom of expression: The suppression of journalists and internet censorship remain pressing issues
• Refugee and migrant rights: Over 100 million people worldwide have been displaced from their homes by conflict and persecution
• Gender equality: Ending discrimination and violence against women and LGBTQ people
• Children's rights: Child labor, violence against children, and equal access to education
• Business and human rights: Preventing human rights abuses in corporate supply chains

What You Can Do on Human Rights Day

• Learn about the work of NGOs such as Amnesty International Japan and Human Rights Now
• Take a moment to appreciate the rights you take for granted, and think of those for whom they are not protected
• Avoid discriminatory language or behavior toward people of different nationalities or minority groups, and embrace diversity