What is Human Rights Day and when is it?
Human Right Day is observed annually on 10 December around the world to mark the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This is an international document that sets out some of the rights and freedoms of all human beings. This year’s theme for Human Rights Day (Wednesday 10 December) is ‘Our Everyday Essentials’, which aims to engage people with human rights by showing how they shape everyday life in ways we may not notice. You can explore stories to see how human rights live in everyday life or share your own story.
How can I learn more?
You can visit the United Nations website to find out more about Human Rights Day and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Amnesty International also have an online course you can undertake on An Introduction to Human Rights.
What events and networks are there?
London South Bank University are celebrating Human Rights Day with London based communities campaigning for Human Rights around the world. The event will take place at the Keyworth Centre between 17:30 and 20:30 on Wednesday 10 December and you can reserve a free space. There are number of student societies you can also join, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Law. There are also initiatives run by the Gulbenkian through ART31, which takes its name from Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, which states that ‘Children have the right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of cultural, artistic and other recreational activities’.
How can I give support?
There are a number of human rights charities you can support, including Amnesty International, which also has advice on ways that you can take action. Other charities include Doctors without Borders, Save the Children, and Anti-Slavery International.