Human Rights Day 2023: What Is The Theme For 75th Anniversary Of Human Rights Day & How It Will Be Celebrated?

Every year on December 10th, the world observes Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. This landmark document outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms that all human beings are entitled to, regardless of their race, religion, gender, nationality, or any other status.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, making Human Rights Day 2023 a particularly significant milestone.

The United Nations mentioned: “10 December 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). 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.”

Human Rights Day provides an opportunity for reflection and action. It is a day to:

• Celebrate the achievements made in the field of human rights. Over the past 75 years, substantial progress has been made in promoting and protecting human rights around the world.
• Raise awareness of the challenges that remain. Despite the progress made, many people continue to face violations of their human rights. This year's theme "Freedom, Equality and Justice for All" highlights the ongoing struggle for equality and justice for marginalised groups and individuals.
• Demand action to address human rights violations. Governments, international organisations, and individuals all have a role to play in ensuring that human rights are respected and protected.

“I urge people around the world to promote and respect human rights, every day, for everyone, everywhere.”

— @antonioguterres on Sunday’s #HumanRightsDay. https://t.co/JGN0GN4A29 pic.twitter.com/godtsyZrLs

— United Nations (@UN) December 10, 2023

Sunday’s #HumanRightsDay marks 75 years of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.@UNHumanRights has more on the crucial role of this historic document in helping achieve a world of freedom, equality & justice for all: https://t.co/LAariPbwCF #HumanRights75 pic.twitter.com/JR1v999K2a

— United Nations (@UN) December 10, 2023

What Is the Theme of Human Rights Day 2023? 

The theme for Human Rights Day 2023 is "Freedom, Equality, and Justice for All." This powerful theme emphasises the three fundamental pillars of human rights, highlighting their interconnectedness and the importance of achieving them for all individuals.

The United Nations states: “In the decades since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, human rights have become more recognised and more guaranteed across the globe. The UDHR has since served as the foundation for an expanding system of human rights protection that today focuses also on vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and migrants.”

How Is Human Rights Day Celebrated? 

Here are some of the ways Human Rights Day is celebrated:

Official Ceremonies:

• High-level events: The United Nations and its member states often hold official ceremonies and conferences featuring speeches by dignitaries, presentations by human rights activists, and awards recognising individuals and organisations for their contributions to human rights.
• Commemorative events: Local governments, universities, and other institutions organize events such as flag-raising ceremonies, public lectures, and debates to raise awareness about human rights and engage in discussions about current issues.

Community Events:

• Public rallies and marches: People gather to raise their voices and demand respect for human rights. These demonstrations highlight specific issues or call for broader action on human rights protection.
• Cultural events: Concerts, film screenings, art exhibitions, and other cultural events use creative expression to raise awareness about human rights and inspire action.
• Educational activities: Schools, libraries, and community centres organize workshops, interactive sessions, and educational campaigns to teach people about human rights and empower them to advocate for themselves and others.

Individual Actions:

• Learning about human rights: Individuals can educate themselves about human rights by reading books and articles, watching documentaries, and attending educational workshops.
• Sharing knowledge with others: People can raise awareness among their families, friends, and communities by talking about human rights, sharing information online, and engaging in discussions about human rights issues.
• Supporting human rights organisations: Individuals can donate money or volunteer their time to organizations working to protect and promote human rights around the world.
• Taking action on specific issues: People can support campaigns and initiatives that address specific human rights concerns, such as child labour, gender inequality, or discrimination.

The specific ways Human Rights Day is celebrated may vary from place to place, depending on local context and resources. However, the core purpose remains the same: to raise awareness about human rights, promote their protection, and inspire action to create a world where everyone enjoys freedom, equality, and justice.