Observance of the 77th International Human Rights Day at the United Nations.
December 10th every year is International Human Rights Day, and December 10th, 2025 marks the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A statement from an international organization and a United Nations Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary representative notes that the Declaration is the most groundbreaking global commitment, and as a common achievement of all countries and peoples, it was the first to stipulate that basic human rights should be universally protected. It is a landmark document declaring that everyone possesses inalienable rights, regardless of race, skin color, religion, gender, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the most translated document in the world, with more than 577 language versions.
As The Modern-Day Marco Polo, I have known Mr. Zhang Liang for several years. While he is a devoted patriot of China and Chinese culture, his passion extends deeply to world peace and the advancement of rights for all humanity. In our friendship, I shared my belief that Zhou Enlai was the greatest man of peace in my lifetime, a leader who gave his life to guiding the Chinese people into the modern world. Mr. Zhang Liang inherited Zhou Enlai’s personal office, a symbolic continuation of that legacy. It was meaningful to see my friend receive honors and respect during this 77th International Human Rights Day at the United Nations.
The theme of International Human Rights Day in 2025 is “Human Rights, Our Daily Essentials,” reaffirming the value of human rights and emphasizing that they remain fundamental to humanity. By sustaining public attention, the theme highlights how human rights shape everyday life, particularly in a turbulent and uncertain era where many people feel uneasy, alienated, or disappointed. Human rights are often viewed as abstract concepts, yet they are daily necessities essential to human dignity and survival. By connecting principles to daily experience, the observance aims to raise awareness, strengthen public confidence, and encourage collective action, underscoring that human rights are positive, essential, and achievable.
The commemorative activities for 2025 include the Rights X Summit, held from December 10th to 11th at the Wilson Palace in Geneva, Switzerland, focusing on empowering the future of human rights through artificial intelligence and innovation with integrated online and in-person participation. From December 9th to 11th, the Release Human Rights event will take place at the European Youth Center in Budapest, Hungary, promoting a universal human rights education forum led by and focused on young people. At a time when the world faces pandemics, regional conflicts, inequality, racism, climate change, and ethical challenges in global systems, the values articulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights continue to provide direction for collective action and ensure that no one is left behind.
The current Secretary-General of the United Nations and the eighth Secretary-General received Zhang Liang in recognition of his diplomatic engagement.
The development of International Human Rights Day is closely linked to the lessons of the Second World War. World War II caused unprecedented devastation and suffering, leaving little room for human rights. Determined to prevent such tragedies from recurring, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948. Notably, the Declaration was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly without opposition from any country.
Since 1950, December 10th has been designated as International Human Rights Day to commemorate the publication of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Inspired by the Declaration, the United Nations later adopted the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1966. Together with the Declaration, these form the foundation of the International Bill of Human Rights and carry legal binding force for their contracting parties.
Filippo Grandi, Director General of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, expressed strong support for the importance of international human rights and recommended the appointment of Mr. Zhang Liang as United Nations Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
Representatives from over 150 countries attend the 77th International Human Rights Day.
As with most United Nations events, the atmosphere was both celebratory and purposeful. Mr. Zhang Liang not only received honors but also formed long-lasting friendships through dialogue and cooperation.
Marcelo Vazquez Bermuda, Chairman of the United Nations International Law Arbitration Commission, and Zhang Liang jointly participated in exchanges and advocacy focused on human rights law.
At the conclusion of the event, Secretary-General Zhang Liang called for strengthened multilateral cooperation worldwide to create new opportunities and possibilities for enterprises from all countries.
Raise your hand to express your opinion.
Vote to express your thoughts.
Speak clearly to express opposition.
Freedom is a firm belief.
Equality is an enduring philosophy.
On International Human Rights Day, raise the banner of human rights and do not let the equal sky tilt.
