Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home — so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. […] Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
2022 Theme: Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All
This year’s Human Rights Day theme reminds us that as the world faces new and ongoing challenges — climate change, pandemics, ever expanding inequalities, racism, conflicts, dispossession, and displacement — it is more important than ever to use the values and principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as guideposts for our collective actions.
10 December is an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of human rights in re-building the world we want, and recognising that the best way to reduce inequalities and realise the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda is through a human rights-based approach to development.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights established the equal dignity and worth of every person, and empowers us all to stand up for our rights and those of others. Each of us must take action to uiphold and champion the principles embodied in the Declaration.
Read and share the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- in more than 500 languages
- in 6 sign languages
- in Plain text (PDF 1.5MB)
Get involved in the year-long UDHR 75 campaign
- For more information visit the UN website.
