7 activities to celebrate Human Rights Day
On Human Rights Day (10 December), we remember how important our human rights are and how they should be protected, no matter what. Find out why we celebrate it, as well as seven activities you could run to celebrate human rights with your Section.
Countries all around the world mark Human Rights Day on 10 December each year. The day is all about spreading awareness and promoting action to look after human rights.
It’s a chance to celebrate those who’ve helped protect human rights and think about what we can do to make society fairer.
Thanks to some of our supporters, we have lots of activities you can run to celebrate the day with your Section.
Why we celebrate Human Rights Day
Human rights mean the rights we’re all born with. They range from lots of different things, from the right to live and the right to education. These rights are intended to be protected by a person’s government or the wider international community.
As the United Nations explains, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights solidified the rights we all deserve as human beings, no matter your ‘race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.’
Each year, Human Rights Day falls on 10 December. This date was chosen because, on 10 December 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. When this happened, it was the first time fundamental human rights became protected.
It’s one of the most groundbreaking and important global pledges in history. It’s also available in over 500 languages and is the most translated document in the world.
This year, the theme is ‘Equality – Reducing inequalities and advancing human rights.’ It’s all about reducing inequality and tackling the discrimination and biases in our society.
Activities for marking Human Rights Day
Play a musical game then explore the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in our harmonious Know your rights activity.
Thanks to our friends at Save The Children, we’ve got plenty of activities and guidance about supporting refugees and displaced children.
From community connections, to Share a shelter activity at an event, you can complete activities for each of the five steps:
Step one: identify the need
Step two: plan action
Step three: take action
Step four: learn and make more change
Step five: tell the world
Thanks to our partnership with Nominet, we have two fast-paced team games that’ll help you discover more about the rights of children. Check out All the rights moves and Rights and wrongs.
While celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, you can celebrate by doing something close to your heart.
Perhaps you’ve been meaning to raise money for an important cause, volunteer at your local food bank, or start a local campaign to help others who need it.
You could even work towards your Community Impact Staged Activity Badge and Plan a community impact event.
Have a chat in your next session about human rights in general.
What are human rights?
What rights are you grateful for?
How far have we come since the declaration was signed?
How can we make the world a better place for everyone?
What human rights challenges do different communities face around the world?
It’s a great opportunity to work towards your Global Issues badge, supported by VARTA.