CIHR Annual Events

These events take place every year and commemorate important  human rights milestones.

Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

In order to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), CIHR has an annual event in early December. The UDHR was adopted on December 10, 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly and is the foundation of International Human Rights Law. Its creation stems from the experience of human rights violations that occurred throughout the world during World War II. The UDHR consists of 30 articles and when combined with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is known as the International Bill of Rights. As the UDHR is the foundation, its anniversary is commemorated annually on December 10th, which has been dubbed Human Rights Day.

CIHR uses the annual commemoration of the event to explore new areas in human rights and celebrate the progress made since 1948.

UDHR  events below:

  • The Post-Roe Era: What's Next for the Right to Privacy: Issues and Challenges (December 8th, 2022) 
  • Discourses and Practices of Exclusion: Human Rights at a Crossroads (December 10, 2020) 
  • Freedom from Fear and Freedom from Want: Challenges in Advancing Human Protection (December 14, 2015) 
  • Human Rights Defenders at Risk: Issues and Challenges (December 11, 2014)
  • Mental Health and Justice: Stigmatization and the Challenge of Inclusion (December 10, 2013)
  • Human Rights for All? LGBT People and the Continuing Quest for Dignity (December 10, 2012) 
  • Technology and Human Rights: The Role of Information Technology and Social Networking Platforms in Mobilizing People to Advance the Cause of Human Rights and Social Justice (December 8, 2011)

International Women’s Day (IWD)

International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8th, is an official day that celebrates women while also reflecting on the unique challenges that women face. IWD, in its current form, has officially existed since 1976 when the UN declared passed it by resolution. The history of “women’s Day” dates back to the early 20th century in many Communist and Socialist countries where the day celebrated women’s contribution to society, similar to the western Mother’s day. The modern celebration of IWD centers around a theme announced several months prior, and the days surrounding IWD are filled with events and workshops focused on global women’s issues.  International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated to recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality, and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security. Celebration of this event and a reflection of women’s rights in the global arena are especially important in light of the recent creation of UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The CIHR began commemorating IWD in 2011. It constructs an event based upon the theme designated by the UN and explores a specific dimension of the theme in the event.

IWD events below: 

  • Women as Agents of Atrocity Prevention (March 5th m 2024)
  • The Climate-Conflict Nexus and Gender Based Violence (March 7th, 2023) 
  • In Pursuit of Gender Equality: Challenges and Prospects (March 8, 2021)
  • Women in the Academy: Challenges and Prospects (March 10, 2020)
  • International Women’s Day 2016: Protecting and Empowering Refugee Women and Girls: Issues and Challenges (March 03, 2016)
  • International Women’s Day 2015: Sexual Assault on College Campuses (March 05, 2015) 
  • International Women’s Day 2014: The Mental Health Effects of Gender Inequality (March 06, 2014) 
  • International Women’s Day 2013: A Promise is a Promise: Time for Action to End Violence Against Women (March 7, 2013) 
  • International Women’s Day 2012: Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures – Challenges and Prospects for Global Empowerment (March 15, 2012)
  • International Women’s Day 2011: Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women (March 8, 2011)

Contact mbizzotti@jjay.cuny for more information.