2008 - a landmark year for human rights
The 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be marked globally on Wednesday 10 December, International Human Rights Day.
As the national body responsible for promoting a human rights culture in Great Britain, the Commission is planning to host a number of events to mark these significant anniversaries.
Our overall aim is to promote the message that human rights are for everyone in our society. We want to mark the 60th anniversary of the Declaration by challenging misconceptions of human rights and by encouraging the British public to understand and celebrate human rights and the values which underpin them, namely fairness, dignity and respect.
Events
Ours by Right: A day for the human family
Set to coincide with the British Library's 'Taking Liberties' exhibition, Ours by Right is a free event open to the general public and will feature performances, workshops and family and cinema areas - all in celebration of the anniversary of the Declaration. The event will take place at the British Library, Euston Road on Sunday 7 December from 1-5pm. If you would like to attend, please email 60UDHR@equalityhumanrights.com
In addition to Ours by Right, the following events will take place in association with the British Library's 'Taking Liberties' events programme:
The Rights of Women: What Now?
On 4 December, our Chief Executive Nicola Brewer will participate in a debate on women's rights chaired by the Guardian journalist Polly Toynbee. It will run from 6.30-8pm. For tickets, please contact the British Library.
Equality and Human Rights in Modern Britain
On 27 January 6.30–8pm, Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Commission, will discuss key issues for today's human rights agenda.
Scotland
In Scotland the Commission will be supporting partners at events throughout December. Partners include Amnesty International, The Scottish Refugee Council, Edinburgh City Council, Glasgow University and Oxfam Scotland.
Wales
In Wales the Commission is planning to hold an open conversation on human rights in the new year. This will build on the findings of the Commission's attitudinal survey which found that almost all people in Wales thought human rights are important, but many were unsure what they are. We have also commissioned several short stories about human rights from Welsh writers.
Further information
Read the 1948 Universal Declaration (external site)
Find out more about the Universal Declaration, its context and its significance for human rights today (external site)
Find out more about the Declaration's 60th anniversary (external site)
Find out more about the British Library's Taking Liberties exhibition (external site)