Every day is a Human Rights day

10 December 2014 – Under the slogan 'Human Rights 365' this year’s Human Rights Day celebrates the fundamental proposition in the Universal Declaration that everyone, everywhere, at all times is entitled to the full range of human rights.

On 10 December 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). To mark this adoption and to bring to the attention 'of the peoples of the world' the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, December 10th has since served as Human Rights Day.

Today's theme – 'Human Rights 365' (#rights365) – returns to fundamental roots of the UDHR. It encompasses that, in fact, every day is Human Rights Day. Not only do human rights belong equally to each of us, they bind us together as a global community.

Essential and indivisible

"The power of the Universal Declaration is the power of ideas to change the world. It tells us that human rights are essential and indivisible – 365 days a year. Every day is Human Rights day: a day on which we work to ensure that all people can gain equality, dignity and freedom", stated Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the High Commissioner for Human rights (OHCHR).

"Violations have been prevented. Independence and autonomy have been attained. Many people – though not all – have been able to secure freedom from torture, unjustified imprisonment, summary execution, enforced disappearance, persecution and unjust discrimination, as well as fair access to education, economic opportunities, rich cultural traditions and adequate resources and health-care."

Today, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also calls on States to honour their obligation to protect human rights every day of the year, and on people to hold their governments to account.

A matter of global progress

"This is a matter of individual justice, social stability and global progress. The United Nations protects human rights because that is our proud mission – and because when people enjoy their rights, economies flourish and countries are at peace."

Join us and make your voice heard via the OHCHR '#rights365' campaign on Vine!