When is Human Rights Day 2024 and what does it mean?

Human Rights Day is an annual event celebrated every year on December 10th to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This day serves as an important reminder that all people are born equal and have certain rights and freedoms that must be respected and protected.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a document that outlines the basic rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of race, color, sex, language, religion, political opinion or any other status. These rights include freedom from discrimination; freedom from torture; the right to education; freedom of expression; the right to vote; and more. It also recognises the right to life, liberty and security of person. 

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Human Rights Day is a time for individuals, governments and organisations around the world to reflect on their roles in protecting these basic rights. Governments are encouraged to protect these rights in their domestic laws and policies. Individuals can help by learning about their own rights and those of others, speaking out against injustice when they see it, donating to organisations that support human rights initiatives, and educating others about human rights issues.

When is Human Rights Day 2024? 

Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on 10 December. 

In 2024, Human Rights Day will fall on Tuesday, 10 December 2024. 

How did Human Rights Day first start off? 

Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on December 10th, and it marks the anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The Declaration was drafted by a committee of representatives from 18 countries and was based on the principles of human rights enshrined in the United Nations Charter, which was adopted two years earlier. 

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The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the first international document to clearly proclaim the fundamental rights and freedoms that all people should enjoy. It includes 30 articles, which cover topics such as civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, and freedom from discrimination. 

Human Rights Day was first officially celebrated in 1950 in order to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since then, it has become an annual event that is celebrated all over the world with events such as marches, rallies, vigils and discussions. The goal of Human Rights Day is to raise awareness about human rights issues in order to promote their further protection and implementation.

What is the significance of Human Rights Day?  

Human Rights Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made in promoting and protecting human rights around the world. It is also a time to recognise the work of those who have dedicated their lives to defending and advocating for the rights of others. 

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The day was chosen to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948. The UDHR is a landmark document in the history of human rights, as it set out a comprehensive set of rights that all people are entitled to enjoy regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or social status. 

The UDHR has been instrumental in raising awareness about human rights issues and in inspiring countless individuals and organisations around the world to fight for greater respect for these rights. Human Rights Day provides an opportunity for people everywhere to come together and celebrate our shared commitment to upholding the fundamental human rights enshrined in the Declaration.

It is also an important reminder that there is still much work to be done in order to ensure that these rights are respected and protected everywhere. On this day, it is critical that we reaffirm our commitment to protecting and promoting human rights, both domestically and internationally. By doing so, we can ensure that everyone enjoys a life free from discrimination, violence and injustice.

All LGBTQ+ Awareness Days in 2024

If you’ve enjoyed this article, you might want to check out our comprehensive list of all 35+ LGBTQ+ Awareness Days in 2024! The article is sorted chronologically by month, with a short write-up that describes the significance of each LGBTQ+ Awareness Day.

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