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We celebrate Human Rights Day
on December 10.
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HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
Photo credit, from top to bottom: Heather Mount, ddp, Vlad Tchompalov, Sharon McCutcheon.
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December – the day on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all. The principles enshrined in the Declaration are as relevant today as they were in 1948. We need to stand up for our own rights and those of others. We can take action in our own daily lives, to uphold the rights that protect us all and thereby promote the kinship of all human beings.
In December 1948, UNESCO was the first United Nations agency to place the Universal Declaration at the heart of all its action, to promote it across the world through education and the media.
Human rights gain new meaning when they become a reality in the daily life of every single person in the world. Bringing human rights home is at the core of UNESCO’s mission in all its fields of competence – education, science, culture and communication. In the context of the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), UNESCO brings to the fore the centrality of human rights protection in the history and the mandate of the Organization.
#StandUp4HumanRights #ItStartsWithMe
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
“Once again in our time, human rights are under threat. Across the world, we see how easily they can be swept aside by dehumanising stereotypes and the rise of intolerant discourse. Conflict, violent extremism and natural disasters can cause chaos, undermining the rights of the most vulnerable in society. Emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, also must be developed with full respect for human rights. We must remain ever vigilant that the progress made in the past 70 years is maintained, and UNESCO will continue to play its role being the leading international laboratory of ideas to tackle these challenges.“
— Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO
Home → What’s On → Events → International Days → December 10
International days are celebrations and calls to action. They are for everyone to participate in. This is how you can take part in an International Day in three simple steps.
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Home → What’s On → Events → International Days → December 10
Why are International Days important? They provide unique opportunities to transmit UNESCO values to the world.
INTERNATIONAL DAYS
International days also provide a unique opportunity to engage citizens on global issues, to mobilise political will and resources to address these problems, but also to celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity as well as remember some of our darkest times as they guide us towards building a better world.
The United Nations International Days are for everyone, all around the globe. Because they are open, you can have an important role to play in them. NGOs, universities, schools, press and more will be putting together campaigns, events, and calls to action worldwide to provide further opportunities to engage, learn, and transmit the values and knowledge associated with each International Day. They serve as an important vehicle to connect the local to the international.
At their root, UN International Days contribute to the achievement of the purposes of the UN Charter and promote awareness of and action on important political, social, cultural, humanitarian or human rights issues. International days are at the heart of the United Nations Charter. They work to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as neighbours, and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.
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