Skip to main content

Human Rights 75 Initiative

Rebirth often follows decimation. And so, in the aftermath of World War II, on 10 December 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

If there was ever a moment to rekindle the hope of human rights for every person, it is now. And this moment will last throughout 2023 and beyond – a year of commemoration of one of the world’s most ground-breaking international commitments. In 2023, we reinvigorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, showing the ways it meets the needs of our time, and advancing its promise of freedom, equality, and justice for all.

Solidarity for the rights of everyone

In the decades since 50 countries signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we have pushed the frontiers in medicine, technology, the environment, social and political expression, economic and labour laws, and more. Progress is a process, and we have much to build on. The Declaration reflects an agreement that equality, freedom and justice are values that drive a thriving society when everyone could experience equal access to opportunities in these domains and any of their choosing.

The Declaration is a life guide encompassing 30 articles that address rights and benefits, which have been realized by many yet outside the reach of others. These include access to education, employment, fair pay, voting rights, healthcare and more; the values of free speech, privacy, and mutual respect irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, or religion are evinced by the Declaration.

Human Rights 75 is an initiative whose three main goals focus on universality, progress and engagement under the leadership of UN Human Rights, together with its partners. The initiative culminates in a high-level event in December 2023 that will announce global pledges and ideas for a vision for the future of human rights.

Three tracks of Human Rights 75

Join the journeys to commemorate and strengthen a movement for a better world:

Promoting Universatility

Honours diversity, strengths, and achievements of the many communities striving to address today's global challenges. It reminds us that human rights are non-negotiable and we reclaim it as a foundation on which to find solutions to our common challenges.

Forging the future

Forging the future seeks to harness the potential of latest breakthroughs through all means, including technology, and anticipate the challenges that will benefit from their application.

Supporting Engagement

Supporting engagement will work with Member States and all the relevant actors to build a positive force for chnage with trust in the human rights architeture, faith in its promise, and resources to apply the tools that are necessary to ensure rights are upheld.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Audio Version

Listen to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the language of your choice.

Simplified Version

Read the Universal Declaration of Human Rightswith simplified text.

Human Rights 75 activities in Europe

Join the premiere of Dr. Jane Goodall's documentary "Reasons for Hope"

Free and public screening of Dr. Jane Goodall’s documentary “Reasons for Hope”.

Read More

HUMAN RIGHTS TALK #3

The United Nations Human Rights Regional Office for Europe and the International Labour Organization’s Office for the EU and the Benelux countries are pleased to invite you to the upcoming Human Rights Talk on “Ensuring adequate minimum income, a matter of human rights”.

Read More

HUMAN RIGHTS TALK #1

Re-thinking participation to expand civic space and advance human rights for all in the EU and beyond

Read More

HUMAN RIGHTS TALK #2

On 30 May, the UN Human Rights Regional Office for Europe organized it’s second Human Rights Talks in Brussels titled. “Strengthening the Safety of Women Journalists in Europe: From Challenges to Solutions”.

Read More

OHCHR Global Human Rights 75 Initiative