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10 December: Human Rights Day

10 December is International Human Rights Day, which marks the anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

10 December: Human Rights Day

Image: Rohingya refugees in Unchiprang camp in Cox’s Bazar © European Union 2018

 

Since its adoption in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been and continues to be a source of inspiration for national and international efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.  Despite this, human rights are still violated throughout the world today.

Some of the groups who have been persecuted in the Holocaust and genocide are still denied their human rights today. The Roma and Sinti people, for example, were targeted by the Nazis. Today, they continue to have to fight for their rights across Europe.

On International Human Rights Day, you can use HMD resources to read the eyewitness accounts of those who have had their human rights taken away.  Life stories from survivors of genocide can teach us about the terrible consequences.

Holocaust Memorial Day urges all of us to remember the experiences of those people who have had their rights removed, and to work together to create a safer, better future which respects the human rights of all of our diverse communities.

Explore our other dates to remember

Persecution today

Persecution today

Here in the UK, and around the world, millions of people face prejudice and hostility simply because of their identity. Holocaust Memorial Day is a day of commemoration and action to challenge these attitudes and behaviours, in order to build a better future together.

Ten stages of genocide

Ten stages of genocide

Genocide never just happens. There is always a set of circumstances which occur or which are created to build the climate in which genocide can take place.