10 December - Celebrating Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is celebrated each year on 10 December - the day in 1948 on which the UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. All over the world, this occasion is used to promote respect for human rights and human dignity as 'the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world'.

In her message for the 2009 observance, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said that the 'concept of non-discrimination lies at the heart of human rights...yet discrimination is still rampant' and urged individuals worldwide 'to take concrete and lasting action to tackle discrimination.'

Click here to read Ms Pillay's full statement
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Click here to take action on human rights issues
Click here to view UNA-UK positions on UN mechanisms relating to human rights