Today, Friday 10th December, the world celebrates International Human Rights Day. This year Human Rights Day recognizes the work of human rights defenders worldwide who act to end discrimination.

 Acting alone or in groups within their communities, every day human rights defenders work to end discrimination by campaigning for equitable and effective laws, reporting and investigating human rights violations and supporting victims. While some human rights defenders are internationally renowned, many remain anonymous and undertake their work often at great personal risk to themselves and their families.

“On Human Rights Day 2010 we are declaring our solidarity with, and our admiration for, people of conscience: the men and women, young and old, of all nationalities and from endlessly diverse backgrounds who stand their ground and speak up for human rights.” (Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights)

From speaking out for indigenous rights in Guatemala, to defending communities from land grabs in Cambodia and using the law to combat racial discrimination in USA, human rights defenders galvanize action and spur change. In many countries, history has proved to be on the side of defenders. Often, however, defenders’ actions are met with hostile, negative reactions from individuals, groups, and authorities. This can be true in both emerging democracies and States with long established democratic traditions.

The Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1998.

Human Rights Day 2010 website UN website for the Day
Video messages by Secretary-General and High Commissioner for Human Rights watch video messages

Human Rights Information Note (PDF 601.78 kb)