Since 1948, Human Rights Day has been observed on December 10th. This year is no exception, and is certainly, in light of the global pandemic, one of the most important years in which to reflect on the status of justice and fairness in our communities, our countries and in the world.
Have we gotten any closer to achieving human rights for all people in the last seventy-eight years, or are we even farther away from ever reaching this desperately needed goal?
If you haven’t read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, or it’s been a while since you looked at it, this is good day to do so. There is a brand new illustrated version, created by Yacine Ait Kaci, available in flipbook form. You can find it here in an attractive format usable with upper elementary to adult levels:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
This year’s goal is to reaffirm these rights and stand up for them whenever we can. There are many ways to do that. The following children’s picture books present these rights in visible ways that even our youngest children can understand and can lead into lessons and activities that will make a difference in people’s lives.
We Are All Free by Amnesty International
Each declaration, restated in clear, simple kid-friendly terms, is illustrated by a famous artist. Elementary-Middle School
Every Human Has Rights by the National Geographic
Each declaration is accompanied by children’s poetry and essays, and vivid photos of children from around the world. One criticism is that most of poems are by children from the United States. But the diverse photos illustrating each declaration make up for it and speak far more than words ever can. Elementary-Middle School
I Have a Right to Be a Child by Alan Serres
Written for younger children, this picture book uses bright illustrations and very simple text to present our basic human needs. It is a great discussion starter to use with preschool and lower elementary children who are not yet ready for the complexity of many of the declarations. However, being familiar with the declarations will allow teachers and parents to better expand on the simple text. Preschool — Lower Elementary
Activities for Human Rights Day and Every Day
Human Rights Here and Now
This is a curriculum for preschool through adult edited by Nancy Flowers and the University of Michigan
Our World: Our Rights
This free pdf handbook for elementary school teachers provides resources and activities for teaching about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, prepared by Amnesty International.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Teacher’s Guide
This free pdf teacher’s guide contains an activity for each of the 30 declarations appropriate for middle and high school students. Prepared by Joanne Clark in cooperation with Amnesty International. There are corresponding posters available at
Where Do You Stand?
A powerful activity for high schoolers and adults that forces one to think about one’s personal understanding of legal, moral, and human rights.
“The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.”
― John F. Kennedy
