Human Rights Day is celebrated each year on December 10 to mark the anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
The Declaration calls for the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Available in more than 500 languages, the UDHR is the most translated document in the world. It is widely recognized as having inspired and paved the way for the adoption of more than 70 permanent human rights treaties at global and regional levels.
Did you know that Canada played a central role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
Why is it important to celebrate Human Rights Day?
Learning about human rights gives us the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be able to stand up for our rights as well as those of others. It helps us to understand that not everyone is given the same level of rights in different situations, and asks us to think about what we can do to protect the rights of everyone to live in an inclusive world.
How can schools take part in Human Rights Day?
- Learn about significant human rights milestones from the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
- Download the illustrated version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and explore it with your class.
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and have students choose one that they will act on.
- Watch a film from the Human Rights Playlist curated by the National Film Board of Canada.
- Learn more about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- Discover the history of human rights in Canada through the Canada History Week digital magazines (2017 and 2019 editions).
Additional Resources for Educators:
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Human Rights Teaching Resources (Canadian Museum for Human Rights)
Grades K-12
Lesson plans, stories and videos to help students understand the history of oppression of vulnerable groups, and the growth and importance of human rights movements. Includes focused teachings about population groups such as Indigenous, Black, and 2SLGBTQI+ . Resources can be filtered by Education Level and Topic. - Celebrating 75 Years of the UDHR
Grades 2-12
Social media images and content, posters, and more. - The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Illustrated Version for Kids (United Nations)
Grades 2-5
Classroom posters illustrating all of the calls to action of the Declaration. For print in ENGLISH, FRENCH and SPANISH. - Human Rights and Global Health Kahoot Quizzes
Grades 7-12
Quiz students on the history of the United Nations, Human Rights movements, and global health issues.
References
- Human Rights Day (Government of Canada)
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 75 (United Nations)