The United Nations (UN)’s Human Rights Day (HRD) or International Human Rights Day, is observed every year across the globe on 10 December marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948 and promotes awareness of universal human rights without discrimination of any kind.
- 10 December 2025 marks the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the 32nd anniversary of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Theme:
2025 Theme: “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials”
Focus: This year’s theme highlight the role of human rights as fundamental to daily life and human dignity.
Exam Hints:
- Event: Human Rights Day 2025
- When?December 10
- Significance: Adoption of UDHR in 1948
- Anniversary (2025): 77th anniversary of UDHR; 32nd anniversary of OHCHR
- Theme 2025:” Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials”
- First Observed: 10 December 1950
- Global Event:
- RightsX Summit: Powering the Future of Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland
- Events in India:
- Organised by: NHRC in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Chief Guest: President Droupadi Murmu
- National Conference Theme: Ensuring Everyday Essentials: Public Services and Dignity for All.
Background:
Declaration: On 4 December 1950, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/423 (V), proclaiming 10 December as Human Rights Day (HRD).
First Observation: The inaugural HRD was observed on 10 December 1950.
Significance: 10 December marks the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution 217 (III) in 1948, which proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the global standard for fundamental human rights.
About Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):
Global Influence: The UDHR has inspired more than 70 international and regional human rights treaties currently in force.
Universal Character: Drafted by representatives from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds, the UDHR sets out fundamental rights to be protected worldwide and is the most translated document globally, available in 577 languages.
Digital Outreach: The UN released the first animated version of the UDHR in collaboration with French digital artist YAK (Yacine Aït Kaci), featuring Elyx, the UN’s first digital ambassador, to visually interpret its 30 Articles.
2025 Events:
RightsX Summit: The Summit, titled Powering the Future of Human Rights, was held on 10–11 December at the Palais Wilson, Geneva( Switzerland), as a hybrid event focused on advancing human rights through artificial intelligence and innovation.
Event in India: On 10 December 2025, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) organised the HRD 2025 celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi(Delhi), with President Droupadi Murmu attending as the Chief Guest.
- Conference: The programme included a national conference on the theme “Ensuring Everyday Essentials: Public Services and Dignity for All”, emphasising universal and dignified access to public services as a core human right.
About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):
Chairperson– Justice V. Ramasubramanian
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Established- 1993
