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On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since then, December 10 is celebrated annually as International Human Rights Day.

The core concept of human rights is that all people, by virtue of being human, are entitled to the same rights, which apply to everyone without exception. Every individual, regardless of race, gender, language, religion, political or other views, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status, is entitled to human rights and freedoms.

In Azerbaijan, Human Rights Day is observed with conferences, meetings, cultural events, and exhibitions dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights. One of the most significant steps in the country’s legal reforms has been the establishment of the Ombudsman Institution, an effective mechanism for protecting human rights and freedoms. In 2001, Azerbaijan joined the European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. On December 28, 2001, the National Assembly adopted the Constitutional Law on the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and on December 24, 2002, the Constitutional Law on the Regulation of the Implementation of Human Rights and Freedoms in the Republic of Azerbaijan was adopted.

By decree of President Ilham Aliyev on June 18, 2007, June 18 was officially established as Human Rights Day in Azerbaijan, recognizing the approval of the first State Program on the Protection of Human Rights on June 18, 1998, and emphasizing the protection of human rights as a key direction of state policy. This demonstrates the state’s commitment to protecting human rights in Azerbaijan.

In connection with this day, the National Library of Azerbaijan has presented a virtual exhibition titled “December 10 – International Human Rights Day”.

The virtual exhibition features photographs, articles published in periodicals, and literature on contemporary international human rights in Azerbaijani and foreign languages.

Those wishing to explore the virtual exhibition can do so at: https://anl.az/el/vsb/Beynelxalq_Insan_Huquqlari_gunu/index.htm.