Highlights

Take a closer look at some of the events and stories taking place across the world to celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Back

Woman operating the Gutenberg Press at the Open Day in Palais Wilson

More than 2,500 visitors at the UN Human Rights Office Open Day

18 June 2018

The UN Human Rights Office opened its Geneva headquarters, Palais Wilson, to the public on Saturday 16 June. More than 2,500 visitors participated in the event, showing the interest of the Geneva population in the work of the UN Human Rights Office.

Among other activities, the visitors printed their own Universal Declaration of Human Rights on a replica of the Gutenberg press, took selfies featuring Article 1 of the Declaration and learned about the work of the UN Human Rights Office.

In the afternoon, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, welcomed the Swiss Ambassador to the international organisations Valentin Zellweger, the President of the State Council of the Canton and the Republic of Geneva Pierre Maudet and the Mayor of Geneva Sami Kanaan.

The day was an occasion to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 25th anniversary of the creation of the UN Human Rights Office. It was dedicated to the efforts of human rights defenders, civil society actors and everyone around the world who work to defend and promote the principles of the Declaration.

In the evening, a Stradivari concert organized in partnership with UNOG, the Permanent Mission of Japan, the Nippon Foundation and the UN Human Rights Office attracted more than 1200 people to Palais des Nations. This was a unique opportunity to listen to seven Stradivarius violins played by exceptionally talented musicians and a wonderful closing to a memorable day. More information about the concert.

The Open Day was supported by the Swiss Confederation as well as the City and the Canton of Geneva.

Download the programme (PDF)


Activities

Get to know our work

  • Public debates:
    Learn how we work on the ground and participate in discussions on the state of human rights today.

  • Film screenings:
    What are human rights and what does the United Nations do to promote and protect them? Visitors can find out by watching a number of short documentaries, as well as works of fiction by renowned international directors.

Around the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

  • Stand up!
    Show your support for human rights by taking our Pledge and share a selfie featuring Article 1 of the Universal Declaration.

  • The Declaration at 70:
    See a collection of materials and historical artefacts on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This activity is in partnership with the United Nations Library.

For the kids

  • Puppet show:
    How do you explain human rights to children? We asked a puppeteer to try.

  • Interactive game:
    An interactive computer game for children between 7-12 will make them experts in human rights. How do we know that? Because they will be given a diploma they can take home with them when they successfully complete the adventure!

  • Music workshop:
    Young musicians will be happy to play an instrument and join the band.

Culture

  • The Gutenberg Press:
    Print your own copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on a replica of the Gutenberg Press. This activity is in partnership with the Geneva Musée de la Réforme.

Heritage

  • Guided tours of Palais Wilson:
    Palais Wilson is one of the historic architectural staples of Geneva. It was also the first home of the League of Nations. A local historian will guide visitors around Palais Wilson and reveal its many secrets. Registration is required.

  • In black and white:
    What was Palais Wilson before it became the headquarters of the UN Human Rights Office? See historical photos of Palais Wilson when it was known as the Hotel National and the first headquarters of the League of Nations.

Take human rights home

  • Publications and goodies:
    Choose from a wide selection of human rights publications and freebies to take home.


  • I will respect your rights regardless of who you are. I will uphold your rights even when I disagree with you
  • When anyone’s human rights are denied, everyone's rights are undermined, so I will stand up
  • I will raise my voice. I will take action. I will use my rights to stand up for your rights.

people have stood up for human rights

We can all be Human Rights Champions

Tweet, Instagram or YouTube your action using the hashtag #Standup4humanrights.

Spread the word

#Standup4humanrights