“Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace”
(Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 26.2)
The date of the 10th of December was chosen to honor the UN General Assembly's adoption and proclamation, on the 10th of December 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On 10 December 2004, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed the World Programme for Human Rights Education (2005-ongoing), to advance the implementation of human rights education programmes in all sectors. You can see the full plan of Action for the first phase (2005-2009) of the World Programme for Human Rights Education for further details.
Today the UN launches it's year long campaign in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The website of the campaign, Know Your Rights 2008, hosts a full virtual marketplace of information and ideas on how to protect and safeguard human rights. Take a moment to learn more about your rights and the rights of children around the world, and what you can do to protect them.
