Human Rights Day 2009 on 10 December will focus on non-discrimination. “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. These first few famous words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established 60 years ago the basic premise of international human rights law. Yet today, the fight against discrimination remains a daily struggle for millions around the globe.

“Our main objective is to help promote discrimination-free societies and a world of equal treatment for all,” says the High Commissioner who this year will mark Human Rights Day in South Africa.

She encourages people everywhere - including the UN family, governments, civil society, national human rights institutions, the media, educators, and individuals - to seize the opportunity of Human Rights Day 2009 to join hands to embrace diversity and end discrimination.

The realisation of all human rights - social, economic and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights – is hampered by discrimination. All too often, when faced with prejudice and discrimination, political leaders, governments and ordinary citizens are silent or complacent.

Yet everyone of us can make a difference. You are encouraged to celebrate Human Rights Day by advocating non-discrimination, organizing activities, raising awareness and reaching out to your local communities on 10 December and throughout 2010. 

World Human Rights Moot Court

Students from around the world will celebrate Human Rights Day 2009 by taking part in the first World Human Rights Moot Competition, organized by the University of Pretoria with the support of OHCHR.

Participants will argue a fictional human rights case on the principle of non-discrimination before a mock court of high level judges in South Africa. All universities are encouraged to participate. 
More information is available on the University of Pretoria website.

Join hands to end discrimination

 All human rights work can be viewed through the non-discrimination lens. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, disability, property, birth or other status.

These stories describe its impact on peoples’ lives and the work everyone can support to end discrimination.

Minority Rights Teaser: Minority rights are States’ responsibility	History shackles Afro-Brazilians Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay on a week-long visit to Brazil travels to a quilombo – one of the communities founded by escaped slaves where the inhabitants have taken action to achieve economic independence.
A story of modern slavery The latest report from the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery describes the plight of the millions of people globally who work as bonded labourers.	Quality Education for Indigenous Peoples Indigenous communities globally are missing out on quality education. A report to the Human Rights Council gives advice for the improved implementation of their right to education.