Human Rights Day in the United States

Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10th. This date was chosen to honor the United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, a milestone document that established the fundamental human rights that are to be universally protected.

History:

• 1948: The UDHR was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.
• 1950: The United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 423(V), inviting all states and interested organizations to observe December 10th as Human Rights Day.
• In the US, Presidents have occasionally issued proclamations recognizing Human Rights Day, linking it with Bill of Rights Day, which also falls on December 10th.

Traditions:

• Education and Awareness: Organizations and educational institutions may promote awareness about human rights issues through seminars, conferences, and workshops.
• Award Ceremonies: Some groups recognize individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to human rights with awards or other commendations.
• Cultural Events: Art exhibitions, poetry readings, and theatrical performances often highlight human rights themes.

Activities:

On Human Rights Day in the United States, individuals and organizations engage in various activities such as:

• Advocacy for human rights issues at local, national, or international levels.
• Social media campaigns that spread messages about the importance of protecting human rights.
• Community service or charity events focused on supporting those whose rights have been violated.

The day serves both as a reflection on the progress made in human rights protection as well as a call to action for ongoing issues worldwide.