FORUM: "Our Everyday Essentials" Human Rights Day 2025. The theme seeks to reaffirm the enduring relevance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and its core values — equality, justice, freedom, and dignity — reminding us that human rights remain a steadfast promise for society. The campaign highlights two interconnected aspects of human rights: the extraordinary nature of their founding as one of the world’s most groundbreaking global pledges, and their everyday, essential presence woven into our lives. The abstract becomes real when we realize that everyday actions — spending time with family, reading the news, walking freely, drinking clean water, or enjoying a meal — are made possible by human rights in practice. These essentials are enshrined in the UDHR: the right to an adequate standard of living (Article 25), which guarantees food, basic needs, and a healthy environment; the right to freedom of opinion and expression (Article 19), which ensures access to information; the right to education (Article 26), which enables understanding and informed decisions; and the right to rest and leisure (Article 24), which allows time for well-being and connection with others. Yet, these simple acts are not possible everywhere. By bridging the gap between the principles of human rights and daily experiences, Our Everyday Essentials campaign seeks to raise awareness, inspire confidence, and encourage collective action. Beyond inviting reflection, the campaign provides a space for people to share what they consider essential in their daily lives, transforming the concept of connection into a concrete reality. Participants are invited to share what matters most in their daily lives. Together, these personal experiences form a rich mosaic of voices and perspectives. Human rights shape our everyday lives — from safety and dignity to freedom and equality, today we call for action to protect these universal values. Together, we can stand up for what is essential to us all. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #HumanRightsDay, #10December, #HumanRights, #Oureverydayrights, #oureverydayessentials.
EVENTS: On Wednesday, December 10th, marks the anniversary of the entry in force of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, with this year's theme focusing on "Our Everyday Essentials", emphasizing that human rights like dignity, equality, and freedom are fundamental to daily life, not just abstract ideals, and should be integrated into local policies and communities. Register to participate!
Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on Human Rights Day 2025; December 10th.
Nearly eighty years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights defined what every person needs to survive and thrive. It was a philosophical and political breakthrough — and it has been the bedrock of our global community ever since.
Human rights — civil, political, economic, social and cultural — are inalienable, indivisible and interdependent. But recent years have brought a shrinking of civic space. We have grave violations that signal a flagrant disregard for rights, and a callous indifference to human suffering.
Together, we have the power to confront these injustices: by protecting the institutions that make human rights a lived reality.
Every day, the United Nations helps people around the world realize their most basic rights. Together with civil society and governments, we deliver food and provide shelter; support education and elections; clear mines; defend the environment; empower women; and strive for peace.
But we cannot do it alone. This work depends on all people, everywhere, taking a stand. When we protect the most vulnerable, when we refuse to look away, when we speak up for the institutions that speak up for us, we keep human rights alive.
Our rights should never take second place to profit or power. Let us unite to protect them, for the dignity and freedom of all.
“Human rights are our compass in turbulent times — guiding and steadying us through uncertainty,” said UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, marking the launch of the 2025 Human Rights Day campaign, celebrated on December 10.
In 2025, the very foundations of human rights have been put to the test.
“Inequalities are rising, conflicts are raging, the climate emergency is mounting, and some are creating and trying to deepen divisions within societies and between countries. But we must not give up,” said Türk in his video message marking the 80th anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945.
“We need more solidarity and more human rights to address the current challenges. It is crucial to keep advocating for our fundamental rights,” he said.
The collection of testimonies, messages, and images gathered under the umbrella of “Everyday Essentials” not only illustrates the impact of rights in action but also fosters meaningful connections among people across the globe. Human rights are a shared responsibility, upheld not only through laws and policies but also through the everyday choices we make and the actions we take. Türk underlined the enduring value of human rights in a context of escalating uncertainty, issuing a call for empowerment.
“The world is facing wars, mass displacement, escalating hatred, and growing inequalities,” said Türk. “Yet compassion — expressed through inclusive policies and acts of solidarity — can transform lives and bridge divisions. Human rights are a shared project. Our strength lies in standing together.”
As Türk stated, while urging full-scale financial, political, and strategic support, human rights are a powerful force for good — the thread that binds people together in times of instability.
“We need to build on this energy, at a time when disquiet, disenfranchisement, disillusionment, and disarray are spreading across the world.”
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