December 10 is celebrated all over the world as "International Human Rights Day" in commemoration of the adoption of the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" in 1948. It's a reminder for all nations, large and small, as well as institutions and individuals alike, to reflect on the achievements, gaps and challenges in the area of human rights and to recommit themselves to the pursuit of the ideals and aspirations of the Declaration. The theme for this year is "Speak up – Stop Discrimination."

With the support of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UNMIS through its Human Rights section has organized a number of programs and activities throughout Sudan in commemoration of "International Human Rights Day"

In Khartoum, the celebration will take place on Thursday, December 9. A formal indoor program, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Justice Advisory Council on Human Rights (ACHR) is planned at the Friendship Hall and will be followed the same day by a symposium on the theme "Strategies to stop discrimination and embrace diversity, and by a Cultural event at the National Theatre in the evening.

In Abyei, Kadugli and Ed Damazin, UNMIS Human Rights Field Offices, in collaboration with their respective local authorities and civil society partners, will celebrate human rights day through parades in the streets followed by indoor programs.

In Southern Sudan, UNMIS in collaboration with the Southern Sudan Human Rights Commission will hold an official program in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal. Programs will also be conducted in each of the remaining states in collaboration with local authorities and civil society partners.