About Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is observed every December 10, the anniversary of the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in Paris. The Declaration set out, for the first time, the fundamental rights to be universally protected for all people — regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, sex or any other status — and remains one of the most translated and influential documents in the world.
Each year the United Nations sets a theme for Human Rights Day, and governments, schools, civil-society groups and activists mark the occasion with conferences, campaigns, cultural events and awards, including the UN Human Rights Prize awarded every five years. It is a day both to celebrate the progress made since 1948 and to draw attention to the work still needed to make the rights in the Declaration a reality everywhere.
Human Rights Day falls on December 10 every year, a fixed date, so the countdown above always points to the next observance. Whether you are planning an event, a lesson or simply a moment of reflection, add Human Rights Day to your own countdown page and follow the days until December 10.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Thursday, December 10, 2026next |
| 2027 | Friday, December 10, 2027 |
| 2028 | Sunday, December 10, 2028 |
| 2029 | Monday, December 10, 2029 |
| 2030 | Tuesday, December 10, 2030 |
FAQ
When is Human Rights Day?
Human Rights Day is on December 10 every year. The countdown above shows the time until the next December 10 in your local timezone.
Why is Human Rights Day important?
It marks the United Nations' adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948 — the first global statement of the rights to which everyone is entitled.
How is Human Rights Day marked?
With conferences, campaigns, cultural events and awards organised by the UN, governments and civil-society groups, usually around an annual theme set by the United Nations.
What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
The UDHR is a landmark UN document adopted in 1948 setting out the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every person; it is among the most translated documents in the world.