December 10 observed as Human Rights Day across the globe
December 10 was observed as Human Rights Day across the globe marking the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The theme chosen for the year 2013 is ‘20 Years Working for Your Rights’.
What is the significance of Human Rights Day?
December 10 holds significance as it was on this day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted and proclaimed, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the first global declaration of human rights and one of the first major achievements of the new United Nations. The formal establishment of Human Rights Day occurred at the 317th Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly on December 4, 1950, when the General Assembly declared resolution 423(V), inviting all member states and any other interested organizations to celebrate the December 10 as they saw fit.
In 1993, the UNGA adopted Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA) at the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, Austria which led to the creation of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for the promotion and protection of all human rights. Year 2013, the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights marks 20 years since its establishment.
In addition, it is traditionally on December 10 that the five-yearly United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights and Nobel Peace Prize are awarded.
