This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TCNJ chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
One of our Vice Presidents, Esme Regalado, has researched National Human Rights Day.
History & Significance
What is Human Rights Day?
Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a landmark document that proclaims the inalienable rights that every person is entitled to, regardless of identity or status. United Nations
Observed: December 10
Key milestones:
- 1948: UDHR adopted by the UN General Assembly. United Nations
- 1949 (US): First U.S. Presidential Proclamation designating Human Rights Day. Truman Library
The UDHR includes rights such as:
- Freedom from discrimination
- Right to life and liberty
- Freedom of expression and religion
- Right to work, housing, and educationÂ
- And more
Global Human Rights Facts & Statistics
Human rights challenges today
- According to Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2025, governments worldwide face ongoing pressures that threaten freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly. Human Rights Watch
- Digital violence against women journalists and activists has increased significantly, with two-thirds reporting digital abuse and many experiencing offline attacks tied to online harassment. AP News
- UN human rights institutions are facing funding shortfalls, limiting global monitoring and response capacity. Reuters
Key Global Human Rights Organizations
| Organization | Role |
| United Nations OHCHR | Coordinates global human rights promotion and monitoring. United Nations |
| Human Rights Watch (HRW) | Monitors and reports on human rights violations worldwide. Human Rights Watch |
| Amnesty International | Investigates abuses and advocates for policy change. Amnesty International |
| International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) | Promotes human rights within social work and education. IFSW |
U.S. & New Jersey Legislation and Resolutions
U.S. Federal
- S.Res.540 (119th Congress, 2025): Resolution recognizing Human Rights Day and UDHR anniversary (introduced). Congress.gov
- Historic laws rooted in human rights principles include the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (prohibiting discrimination). GovInfo
New Jersey
- Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 122 (2024): Acknowledges the UDHR and supports the UN’s human rights campaigns. New Jersey Legislature
- Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights and Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights: Strengthen labor protections in NJ. NJ.gov
NJ Human Rights & Social Justice Resources
Advocacy & Support Organizations
- ACLU of New Jersey: Defends civil liberties and fights abuses of power. ACLU of New Jersey
- New Jersey Institute for Social Justice: Works on racial & social justice, voting rights, economic equity. New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
- Disability Rights New Jersey: Protects rights of people with disabilities. Disability Rights NJ
- New Jersey Division on Civil Rights: Enforces anti-discrimination laws. NJ Attorney General
- NJ Human Relations Council: Promotes bias reduction and community harmony. NJ Attorney General
- New Jersey Citizen Action: Community organizing on issues including housing, pay equity, and justice. NewJerseyAlmanac.com
How to Get Involved
- Join TCNJ’s Amnesty International Recognized Student Organization Â
- Attend local events or virtual forums
- Volunteer with NJ human rights organizations
- Advocate for key legislation at state and national levels
- Educate others about the UDHR and fundamental rights
- Support marginalized communities through donations or activism