December 10 is known to commemorate the adoption of the UN ruling in 1948 on human rights for people of different backgrounds around the world. After World War II was over, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created on December 10, 1948. The human rights outlined within the declaration include thirty rights that declare freedom and equal rights for all humans worldwide. Schools commonly celebrate this day by putting up booths or creating workshops or events to educate the public about respect for human rights and help promote justice and equality. The creation of the Declaration of Human Rights was a direct response to the atrocities committed during the Holocaust when 6 million Jews, along with millions of others from various ethnic and social groups, were murdered. The term “genocide” (Latin for ‘race killing’) was coined by Raphael Lemkin, who lost many members of his family in the Holocaust. While genocide continues to be a horrific crime committed in today’s society, the goal is that with education, awareness, and legal protections (such as human rights laws), genocide will be eliminated in our world.

This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 and sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected. Available in more than 500 languages, it is the most translated document in the world.

Human Rights Day is a day to remind each and every citizen of humanity that we stand together in our unique identities, celebrations, and beliefs, and that we treat each and every human being with dignity and respect because we are all members of the human race. To learn more, please visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day