Human Rights Day: Celebrating with Young People
Human Rights Day is celebrated around the world. Every year on December 10 this special day recognizes and honors the basic rights every person should have. No matter who they are or where they come from.
These rights include things like freedom, safety, equality, and the ability to speak up for yourself.
It's a perfect reminder for all of us that everyone should be treated fairly and with respect.
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How it started
Human Rights Day began in 1948, when the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This important document lists the rights that everyone should have, such as the right to education, the right to live in peace, and the right to work. Since then, December 10 has become a day to celebrate and spread awareness about these rights.
For youth workers, this day is an opportunity to teach young people about their rights and inspire them to respect the rights of others. You play a crucial role in helping youth recognize the importance of fairness and equality!
What you can do
You can find all sorts of ways to engage young people in learning about their rights. And exploring ways to advocate for the rights of all people. Here are 5 ideas to get you started.
- Learn about human rights together
Start by explaining what human rights are and why they matter. Use videos, stories, or simple explanations to make it easier for youth to understand.
For example, you could share stories about famous human rights heroes like Martin Luther King Jr., Malala Yousafzai, or Nelson Mandela. Learning about these individuals can inspire young people to see the value of standing up for fairness and justice.
- Host a human rights activity day
Plan activities that help youth understand and celebrate human rights. Hold a poster-making session where young people create posters about different human rights.
These posters could include messages like “Everyone Deserves Education” or “We All Have the Right to Be Safe.” You could also organize role-playing activities where young people act out situations related to rights, such as standing up against bullying or helping a friend who feels left out.
- Create a "Rights and Respect" pledge
Another way to celebrate is by creating a “Rights and Respect” pledge with youth. Ask them to write down ways they can show respect for others' rights in their everyday lives.
The pledge could include things like “I will speak up if I see someone being treated unfairly,” or “I will respect others’ opinions.” This activity can remind young people of the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.
- Share human rights stories and videos
Stories and videos can be powerful tools for teaching about human rights. Watch short videos or read books about these rights issues and discuss them afterward.
There are many child-friendly resources that explain topics like fairness, safety, and freedom in simple terms. These resources can help young people better understand human rights and why they’re so important.
- Hold a “Thank You Day” for human rights helpers
Help young people appreciate the people who work to protect human rights in their communities, like teachers, police officers, or local volunteers.
Encourage young people to make thank-you cards or write messages for these community helpers. This activity teaches gratitude and reminds youth that there are many people around them who work to make the world a fairer and safer place.
Celebrating Human Rights Day Together
This is a great chance for you to model and teach youth about respect, fairness, and equality. Everyone deserves to feel welcomed and valued in your program spaces and beyond. By learning about human rights and doing activities together, you help young people feel empowered to make a positive difference in their communities.
To deepen your awareness of inclusive practices and how to cultivate respect for all cultures, check out YIPA’s Intercultural Engagement trainings.
About the author
Jade Schleif is the training director of the Youth Intervention Programs Association (YIPA), a non-profit association of youth-serving organizations. We're your source for exceptional, affordable, personal and professional online learning via The Professional Youth Worker. Join us!
To ask Jade a question or share your feedback about this blog, email jade@yipa.org.
