"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. [...] Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning any where. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10th, is a day that we celebrate our fundamental rights and basic freedoms. It is also a day that commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (A document that proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being -- regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status).

According to United Nations, this year’s theme “Youth Standing Up for Human Rights” aims to celebrate youth’s potential as constructive agents of change, amplify their voices, and engage a broad range of global audiences in the promotion and protection of rights. The young people’s participation is essential in achieving sustainable development, especially in decision making. They play a crucial role in bringing positive change to the world with their creative and innovative ideas as well as solutions. Thus, upholding their rights and empowering them to better know and claim their rights will generate benefits globally.