Human Rights Day 2025

Today we mark Human Rights Day, a moment to commemorate the enduring vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to reflect on the essential role human rights play in our lives and societies.

This year’s theme, “Our Everyday Essentials,” highlights how human rights are woven into our daily lives. National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) work to ensure these principles translate into tangible protection and promotion for human rights as well as opportunities for all people.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), representing more than 110 NHRIs, stands at the intersection between global commitments and local realities. Strong, independent, and adequately resourced NHRIs, in line with the Paris Principles, are essential to translating human rights principles into concrete action. It is vital that all States establish or strengthen Paris Principles-compliant NHRIs to build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.

This work, however, takes place in an increasingly challenging landscape. Across regions, civic space is shrinking, and NHRIs and human rights defenders face mounting threats: attacks on independence, harassment of staff and leadership, undue interference, and attempts to undermine credibility.

Earlier this year, more than 80 NHRIs adopted the Outcome Statement at GANHRI’s Annual Conference on advancing gender equality and protecting the rights of women and girls worldwide. In partnership with the Association for the Prevention of Torture, GANHRI provided space for peer learning through its webinar series on torture prevention, supporting members in implementing the Kyiv-Copenhagen Declaration. Additionally, GANHRI’s members participated in COP30, advocating for human rights at the centre of climate action. Our Global Alliance has also advanced work on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, older persons, and persons with disabilities, and the right to a healthy environment, ensuring that the voices of those experiencing vulnerability are heard and their rights protected. This work is strengthened through meaningful partnerships, including the Tripartite Partnership with UNDP and OHCHR, the NHRI.EU project with the Regional Networks and supported by the European Commission. GANHRI continues to reinforce its collaboration with UN agencies, treaty bodies, special procedures, civil society organizations.

As a Global Alliance, our strength lies in our unity and shared commitment. We work together, support each other, learn from one another, and defend each other. We stand with the United Nations, civil society, and all partners in building a world where human rights remain central to our societies.

On this Human Rights Day, let us reaffirm our resolve to build a world where the dignity and rights of every person are fully realized, everywhere.