Human Rights Day 2026
The anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948.
Quick facts
- Date
- December 10
- Day of the week
- Thursday in 2026
- Type
- International
- Observed in
- Global
- First observed
- 1950
- Established by
- United Nations General Assembly
- Led by
- UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR)
- Hashtag
- #HumanRightsDay
Overview
Human Rights Day, on December 10, marks the day in 1948 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The Declaration sets out the rights and freedoms to which every person is entitled, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
The UDHR is available in more than 500 languages, making it one of the most translated documents in the world.
History
After the Second World War, the newly founded United Nations set up a Commission on Human Rights, chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt, to draft an international bill of rights. The UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris on December 10, 1948. In 1950 the Assembly invited all states to observe December 10 as Human Rights Day.
- 1946The UN Commission on Human Rights is created, chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt.
- 1948The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is adopted in Paris on December 10.
- 1950The General Assembly establishes Human Rights Day.
- 1966The two International Covenants on human rights are adopted.
Themes by year
How to celebrate
Read the Declaration
The UDHR has 30 short articles — read them and pick the one that speaks to you.
Stand up for someone
Speak out when you see discrimination or injustice.
Support rights defenders
Follow and support organisations that defend human rights.
Quotes
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home.
Wishes and messages
Greeting card
A 1080 × 1080 image, ready for WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
Social media captions
Born free and equal. ✊ #HumanRightsDay
Stand up for someone's rights today.
Human Rights Day dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Days from today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 10 | Thursday | 37 |
| 2027 | December 10 | Friday | 402 |
| 2028 | December 10 | Sunday | 768 |
| 2029 | December 10 | Monday | 1,133 |
| 2030 | December 10 | Tuesday | 1,498 |
| 2031 | December 10 | Wednesday | 1,863 |
Frequently asked questions
When is Human Rights Day?
Every year on December 10.
What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
A document adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948 that sets out fundamental rights for all people.
Who chaired the drafting of the UDHR?
Eleanor Roosevelt chaired the UN Commission on Human Rights.
Sources
Last updated November 2, 2026