Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10 — the same day the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

The Declaration states that each person is entitled to fundamental rights, including the right to equality, and the right to life, liberty and security of the person. It also recognizes the right to freedom of religion and speech and the right to participate in the cultural life of the community.

Source: Canada.ca

2024 theme: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.

This year’s theme is a call to acknowledge the importance and relevance of human rights in our everyday lives. We have an opportunity to change perceptions by speaking up against hate speech, correcting misinformation and countering disinformation. This is the time to mobilize action to reinvigorate a global movement for human rights.

Source: UN

Resources

Suggestions for learning more about human rights:

• Visit the United Nations Human Rights Day website.
• Watch a film from the Human Rights Playlist curated by the National Film Board of Canada.
• Learn more about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
• Explore the Canadian Museum for Human Rights’ Story Collection.
• Learn about significant human rights milestones from the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
• Download the illustrated version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and share it with family.
• Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (PDF version, 299 KB) and choose one that you will act on.
• Canada played a central role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Related hashtags:
#StandUp4HumanRights
#ItStartsWithMe