Announcement: Human Rights Oration postponed
We have just been informed that unfortunately Stan Grant is no longer able to deliver this year’s Human Rights Oration on Friday 8 December.
As a result we have postponed the event until early 2018. We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause and encourage you to enjoy the rest of Human Rights Week.
There are numerous ways you can celebrate the week and mark International Human Rights Day on Sunday 10 December.
Download the Starter Kit (zipped folder, 285KB) for ideas on how to get involved.
What is Human Rights Week?
International Human Rights Day is observed on 10 December every year. It commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Commission has celebrated Human Rights Day with an Oration since 2001. As an annual event held on or around 10 December, the Human Rights Oration aims to highlight human rights issues as they apply to the everyday lives of Victorians. Each year we invite prominent speakers in different fields to present their perspective on human rights (see a list of previous speakers).
This year we are expanding the celebrations to hold Victoria's first Human Rights Week from Monday 4 to Sunday 10 December 2017.
The theme for Human Rights Week 2017 is ‘Human rights start with you’. It's a simple but important message – each of us has a part to play in ensuring the principles of freedom, respect, equality and dignity are alive in our workplaces, schools, communities, even among our friends and families.
It's about recognising the fact that we all have rights, but we also have a responsibility to stand up for and respect the rights of others.
What's on during Human Rights Week?
The main components of Human Rights Week are:
- an online calendar listing events that people and workplaces are holding to celebrate Human Rights Week
- an essay competition for students in years 10 and 11 with prizes for the top three entries.
Other activities during the week will help Victorians build a better awareness and understanding of human rights, and appreciate and celebrate the many freedoms that we enjoy as Australians but especially as Victorians.
How can you take part in Human Rights Week?
