Written by Lauren James Budhu
When December rolls around every year, the holidays usually come to mind: festive decorations or a menorah adorning the mantle, an imposing tree in the corner filled with gifts underneath, Christmas movies on the TV, maybe a jolly old man delivering presents across the world, or parties dotting everyone’s calendars the entire month. However, some may not realize that December is Universal Human Rights Month, a chance for people across the globe to come together — just like the holidays — to stand up for equality, justice, and dignity for all humans.
Human Rights Day 2025 is on December 10th — an annual event commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. The UDHR is a milestone document that outlines the basic principles of human rights, including the right to life, liberty, and security of a person. According to the United Nations website, it is a “common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations,” a global blueprint for international, national, and local laws and policies, and a bedrock of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Today, it is available in 577 languages, from Abkhaz to Zulu, making the UDHR the most translated document in the world.
Did you know that 700 million people live on less than $2.15 daily, the extreme poverty line? Or that 736 million women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from a partner or non-partner? Or, in 2020, Amnesty International documented 483 executions in 18 countries? Unfortunately, these statistics are a reality worldwide. That’s why advocating for human rights throughout December and even beyond is so important.
This year’s Human Rights Day theme is “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” which reaffirms the values of human rights and shows that they remain a winning proposition for humanity, especially in this period of turbulence and unpredictability. The campaign emphasizes that human rights are positive, essential, and attainable.
Here are some ideas for how you can celebrate Human Rights Day and Universal Human Rights Month:
- Attend human rights events: Participate in local or virtual events, seminars, and conferences that focus on human rights issues and discussions. Check out what you can do this year!
- Educate yourself: Learn about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its principles. Seek to understand the human rights challenges faced by different communities around the world.
- Advocate for human rights: Get involved in advocacy campaigns to promote human rights, support marginalized communities, and fight against discrimination and injustice.
- Donate to human rights organizations: Contribute to or volunteer with organizations that work to protect and defend human rights globally, including the United Nations. You can also donate to the UN to continue this important work!
- Engage in social justice: Advocate for equality, inclusivity, and social justice in your community and workplace. Support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.
Human rights begin with us. They start with the small everyday choices we make, from treating others respectfully to speaking up against unfairness and listening to marginalized people whose voices are usually ignored. This December, choose to celebrate our differences and advocate for human rights for all.
