United Nations Association of the United States of America 

Every October, the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and our national network of Chapters honor UN Day to celebrate the anniversary of the UN’s founding on October 24, 1948. This year, our UN Day theme is “Human Rights, Close to Home” which recognizes community leaders—including private businesses, government officials, and nonprofits—supporting the UN’s commitment to human rights.

What is the UDHR? Why celebrate now? 

UNA-USA and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) have partnered to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) throughout 2018. The UDHR, a milestone document in the history of human rights, was enacted by the UN on December 10, 1948. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected. Eleanor Roosevelt, former UNA-USA board chairwoman and trailblazer, chaired the UDHR drafting committee and was integral to its adoption.

This year's 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights takes place at a pivotal moment for the U.S.-UN relationship, as policymakers on Capitol Hill consider funding cuts that would threaten UN priorities. We encourage UN advocates to petition Congress to pledge their continued support for the UDHR.