Commemorating seventy-five years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in cities, across the globe

Leaders from every corner of the globe made 1948 a milestone year. Let’s remember it and together, advance the promise of equality, freedom and justice for all.

By signing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), countries agreed to secure and protect the rights of communities and individuals, regardless of gender, race, religion or socioeconomic status. In the 75 years since the landmark Declaration, we have made strides towards equality, justice and freedom – the values that underpin it – and we know we cannot rest on our laurels.

If there was ever a moment to revitalise the hope of human rights for every person, it is now.

As you mark this special year, we share examples of activities of solidarity that you can organize in your villages, towns and cities:

Hold public readings of the Universal Declaration

The Declaration’s 30 articles lend themselves to "public readings." It is a great way to promote visibility by inviting a local writer, an artist, a child, or human rights defender. The village square, school or clinic are spaces conducive to public readings.

Feel free to share a short video of your reading or event so we can highlight it among the global actions on the Human Rights 75 website.

Run for human rights

A “run for Human Rights” can be any length – 1km or more – and organised with schools for example in June or in the last quarter of the year leading up to International Human Rights Day, 10 December for increased resonance.

Share with us your programme and we will give visibility to all runs in support of human rights.

Commemorate by candlelight on 10 December

Support Human Rights 75 by organizing concerts by candlelight in your city, on the 10^th of December. Artistic expression by candlelight helps us pause to remember the sacrifices and courage of many with the accompaniment of music, song, or poetry readings. Together, let’s lit up the planet on Human Rights Day, thanks to hundreds of city concerts by candlelight.

From one continent to another, from one candle to another, together we rekindle hope on the date of the signing of the Declaration in 1948.

We count on you to create a wave of solidarity and to help us advance on the promise of the Declaration.