Human rights week

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All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 1, Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Human Rights Week in Tasmania – 3 to 10 December

Every 10 December people around the world commemorate the day the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The UDHR, available in more than 360 languages, sets out those rights and freedoms that many of us take for granted.

The United Nations Day for Human Rights on 10 December each year is a day to raise public awareness and knowledge of why human rights matter, both amongst people who are lucky enough to enjoy these rights, and those who are not so lucky, who have little freedom and few rights. It’s a day to focus on core human values reflected in the UDHR: a commitment to inherent human dignity, non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality.

In Tasmania we go one better, and each December we celebrate Human Rights Week as well as commemorating the UN Day for Human Rights. Activities during the week are designed to make us more aware of our own rights and where they could be at risk, and to provide insight into people and issues from around the world, and what we can do to support their efforts to achieve social justice and the fulfilment of their human rights.

The Human Rights Week Organising Committee, comprising representatives from various organisations as well as individuals, co-ordinates the Tasmanian Human Rights Week programme. This usually includes public discussions, performances, Amnesty International’s March for Human Rights and other activities. If you have suggestions for an activity that could be included contact the Committee.

Since 1991 Tasmania has also paid tribute to individuals and organisations based in Tasmania, by presenting Tasmanian Human Rights Awards during the week. Anyone can nominate an eligible person or group they think deserves to be recognised and who satisfies the criteria for an award.

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