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Get Involved On Human Rights Day, White Plains

Some notable days fly off the calendar radar, especially in December when there’s too much to do. International Human Rights Day is often one of those days.

Mother Teresa (1910-1997) and Princess Diana (1961-1997) were advocates of International Human Rights Day, celebrated annually Dec. 10.

Mother Teresa (1910-1997) and Princess Diana (1961-1997) were advocates of International Human Rights Day, celebrated annually Dec. 10.

Photo Credit: Facebook

"Our Rights! Our Freedoms! Always!" is the theme of this year’s International Human Rights Day, which is Thursday, Dec. 10, according to the United Nations. It’s been celebrated on Dec. 10 for 68 years.

It's significant in 2015 because it dually commemorates the 50th anniversary of the United Nations two International Covenants on Human Rights: the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, according to un.org.

International Human Rights Day began Dec. 10, 1948, when the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The two international covenants were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on Dec. 16, 1966.

To celebrate, the U.N. launched a year-long campaign around the theme of rights and freedoms, 

  • Freedom of speech
  • Freedom of worship
  • Freedom from want
  • Freedom from fear

These form the backbone of the International Bill of Human Rights, the UN website says.

Along with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the two Covenants form the International Bill of Human Rights, which sets out the rights that are the birthright of all human beings.

It’s not a glitzy holiday and there aren’t gifts, costumes or even candy. But International Human Rights Day is something to celebrate. See the UN website for ideas.

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