Human Rights Day and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Human Rights Day is celebrated internationally on 10 December each year. This date honours the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.

The day was officially established in 1950 through a UN resolution, inviting all countries and interested organisations to observe and promote human rights. The Universal Declaration was the first global document to articulate the inherent rights of every person regardless of background.

The declaration encompasses a broad range of rights, including political, civil, social, cultural, and economic rights. It has been translated into hundreds of languages and has influenced numerous international treaties and national legal decisions.

Date and Establishment of Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is observed globally on 10 December each year. This date was chosen to commemorate the adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948. The official establishment of Human Rights Day occurred in December 1950 during the plenary session of the UN General Assembly, through resolution 423 (V). In this resolution, the General Assembly encouraged all member states and interested organisations to recognise the day and to hold appropriate events in its observance.

Celebration Features and Awards

In the past decade, Human Rights Day has been observed annually under a specific theme or slogan, highlighting various aspects of human rights issues. A significant element of the commemoration is the presentation of the United Nations Human Rights Prize, which is awarded every five years on 10 December, coinciding with the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Established in 1966, this prestigious award recognises individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights. The first presentation of the United Nations Human Rights Prize took place in 1968, marking the beginning of a tradition that honours exceptional dedication to advancing human rights worldwide.

Human Rights Day in Australia

In Australia, Human Rights Day is marked annually on 10 December with events organised by the Australian Human Rights Commission. These activities highlight the nation’s commitment to human rights principles as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Notably, the Declaration has been translated into the languages of Indigenous Australian peoples, including the Warlpiri language, reflecting efforts to make human rights accessible across diverse communities. Australia formally ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on 13 August 1980, reinforcing its dedication to upholding the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration. Furthermore, the High Court of Australia, in the landmark case Mabo v Queensland (No 2) on 3 June 1992, recognised the land rights of Indigenous Australians, referencing principles from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These developments underscore Australia’s ongoing engagement with human rights issues within its legal and cultural framework.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Content and Significance

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) stands as the first global document to articulate the principles of human rights. It proclaims the inalienable rights inherent to every individual, regardless of race, skin colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth status, or any other condition. The Declaration encompasses a comprehensive range of rights, including political, civil, social, cultural, and economic rights, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human dignity and freedom. Notably, the text of the UDHR has been translated into 577 languages, making it the most translated document worldwide. This extensive translation effort underscores its universal relevance and accessibility. Furthermore, the UDHR has served as a foundational framework for the development of subsequent international agreements, influencing the evolution of global human rights standards.