Why Is 10 December Celebrated As Human Rights Day? 2024 Theme, History, Significance, And Quotes

Last Updated:December 10, 2024, 06:00 IST

Human Rights Day is a reminder to speak out against hate, misinformation and lies.

Human Rights Day is observed worldwide every year on December 10. It marks the date when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. This declaration is a milestone in global history as it lay down the fundamental rights that all people, no matter their background, are entitled to. The UDHR highlights that every individual has basic freedoms and protections, regardless of their race, gender, religion, nationality or any other factor.

Human Rights Day 2024: Theme

The theme for Human Rights Day 2024 is “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.” It focuses on recognising how human rights affect our daily lives. It is a reminder to speak out against hate, misinformation and lies. The UN emphasises that now is the time to take action and revive the global movement for human rights.

Human Rights Day 2024: History

Human Rights Day was officially established in 1950 by a resolution from the United Nations General Assembly. The date was chosen to honour the adoption of the UDHR on December 10, 1948, which came after World War II, aiming to prevent future atrocities and protect human dignity. Since its establishment, Human Rights Day has been observed every year to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles related to human rights, such as discrimination, inequality and oppression.

The UDHR holds a Guinness World Record for the most translated document in the world as it has been translated in over 530 languages.

Human Rights Day 2024: Significance

The devastating effects of World War II highlighted the urgent need for a worldwide commitment to protecting basic human rights, ultimately leading to the formation for the UDHR. It became a symbol of hope, showing that human rights are not just a luxury but a right for all people, everywhere.

Human Rights Day 2024: Celebrations

Human Rights Day is observed globally through various activities such as webinars, seminars and speeches from leaders to emphasise its importance. In India, the day will be marked with a significant gathering at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi hosted by National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India. President Droupadi Murmu will be the chief guest for this year’s celebrations.

Various dignitaries including NHRC, India Chairperson Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Secretary General Bharat Lal along with senior officers, members of statutory commissions, civil society, academia, NGOs and human rights defenders, will also be in attendance.

Human Rights Day 2024: Quotes

1. “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. … Such are the places where every man, woman and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
2. “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” – Nelson Mandela
3. “A right delayed is a right denied.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
4. “Activism works. So what I’m telling you to do now is to act. Because no one is too small to make a difference.” – Greta Thunberg
5. “It means a great deal to those who are oppressed to know that they are not alone. Never let anyone tell you that what you are doing is insignificant.” – Desmond Tutu
6. “Let us remember: one book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai
7. “Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.” – Arundhati Roy
8. “I recognise no rights but human rights – I know nothing of men’s rights and women’s rights.” -Angelina Grimke.