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Human Rights Day (10 December 2003)

Human Rights Day: Celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Image: Ligia Hendry/HREA. Copyright © 2002, HREA)On 10 December 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which has become a universal standard for defending and promoting human rights. Every year on 10 December, Human Rights Day marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration. On Human Rights Day it is celebrated around the globe that "All human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms".


News

International Human Rights Day sees world support for Arms Trade Treaty (10.12.2003)
USA: More state killing on Human Rights Day (10.12.2003)
Reaffirm Vienna commitments, Human Rights Watch urges (10.12.2003)
Council of Europe must ensure the long-term effectiveness of the European Court of Human Rights
(10.12.2003)
UN Human Rights Prize for human rights educator Shula Koenig! (4.12.2003)


Selected learning materials

Discovering the UDHR (Amnesty International-USA)
By examining two real cases of human rights abuses students are introduced to the contents and spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Human Rights Here & Now: Celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
This manual is intended to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to further human rights education in the United States. It can be used by educators in classrooms, by human rights advocates in informal settings, and by individuals for their own self-learning.

Illustrated version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
A simplified and illustrated version of the 30 articles of the UDHR. Intended for children eight year and older. Accompanied with instructions for a lesson activity.

Learning Activities about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Some ideas to help you explore images through a human rights lens.

Rights Around the World: A UDHR Jigsaw (Amnesty International-USA)
This activity allows students to extend their knowledge of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) while learning typical rights abuses around the world. It also provides structure for collaborative learning in the classroom.

The UDHR: What's in it for Me?
Through this exercise workshop participants will become more familiar with the provisions of the UDHR's 30 articles; will acquire cognitive and analytical skills in applying the UDHR to specific problems; and will become empowered to apply rights principles in their real life circumstances.

What are Human Rights? - The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Estonia)
Chapter from a textbook for an optional subject in grade eight of general comprehensive schools.

The United Nations' System of Human Rights Protection: Educational packet (Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights in Poland)
This packet familiarises the advocates with the human rights protection mechanisms that exist within the United Nations. Included in this packet are an instructors text, fundamental UN human rights documents, a videotape and lesson plans for presenting the UN human rights system.


Useful links

Universal Declaration of Human Rights in over 300 languages

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Simplified version of the Universal Declaration

Human Rights Day 2002

Calendar of Human Rights Day events around the world in 2002
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