 10 December 2012 -- On this day in 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. It is celebrated around the globe that "All human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms".
This year's Human Rights Day theme is: Inclusion and the right to participate in public life. Everybody has the right to have their voice heard and to have a role in making the decisions that shape their communities. Each one of us should be able to choose those people who will represent us in all governance institutions, to stand for public office, and to vote on the fundamental questions that shape our individual and collective destinies.
Fulfillment of the right to participate in public life is fundamental to the functioning of a democratic society and an effective human rights protection system. Inclusion of ALL in decision-making processes is an essential precondition to the achievement of both.
Source: Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Human Rights Day event
 Screening of documentary film 'A Path to Dignity' at UN in New York (12 December)
WHEN: Wednesday, December 12 from 1:15 - 2:30 pm
WHERE: NLB Conference Room 7, United Nations Headquarters, New York*
ORGANISERS: HREA, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
CO-SPONSOR: Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations
WEBCAST: Please note that this event was webcast live: RECORDING
Selected learning materials
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.
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.
Useful links
Text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Simplified version of the Universal Declaration
Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 375 languages
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Human Rights Day 2012 (OHCHR)
UDHR 60th anniversary slideshow on UDHR's importance for human rights education (HREA)
Information about the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration (OHCHR)
Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute (UDHR 50th Anniversary)
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