Human Rights Day: 10 December 2010

• © UNHCHR/Messaggio Studio

The theme for Human Rights Day 10 December 2010 is human rights defenders who act to end discrimination.

It 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.

In his Message on this occasion, Secretary General Ban ki-moon urges:

"let us be inspired by those seeking to make our world more just. And let us remember that everyone -no matter their background, training or education- can be a human rights champion.

So let us use that power. Let us each be a human rights defender."(Read full Message)

Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General will award the UNESCO/Bilbao Prize for the Promotion of a Culture of Human Rights Prize to Asma Jahangir in recognition of her exceptional and courageous contribution to building a universal culture of human rights. This will be at the ceremony that will take place on Human Rights Day in Bilbao, Spain. (More)

This Day also marked the launching of 2011, International Year of People of African Descent, by the United Nations Secretary-General, during a Special event held in UN Headquarters in New York (Watch the video of the ceremony on UN Webcast).

• Statement by Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
• Message from Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO
• Calendar of events around the world (UNHCHR)

Related links

• Human Rights Day 2010 official website
• United Nations and Human Rights
• Office of the High Commissionner for Human Rights
• The UNESCO Human Rights Programme

• 11-12-2010

• © UN Photo/Evan Schneider - UN Secretary-General launching the 2011 Internation Year of People of African Descents