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2025.10.24
Seoul
United Nations Day
Naima Islam Nisha
Annually on October 24 the world commemorates United Nations Day for marking the anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter in 1945. The day was first observed in 1948 and celebrates the founding principles of the UN: peace, dignity and equality for all people across nations.
United Nations Day is intended to raise awareness of the UN’s efforts to uphold human rights globally. The Charter commits its Members to promoting “universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all” (Article 1, paragraph 3). The UN system has since become the central international arena for establishing human rights norms including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and later treaties. However, the global landscape remains fraught like conflicts, repression, systemic inequality and shrinking civic space continue to undermine these rights. According to the UN website, the UN “promotes peace, human rights and social progress including access to healthcare and education”; yet acknowledges that “the United Nations faces new challenges” in adapting its structure and capabilities.
The human rights dimension of United Nations Day emphasizes both achievements and continuing responsibilities. On the achievement side, international programmes under the UN umbrella ranging from peace keeping operations, humanitarian relief, human rights monitoring to development assistance have improved lives in many regions. On the responsibility side, Member States and the UN system are called upon to renew commitments ensuring civil and political rights, economic and social rights, protecting vulnerable groups, combating discrimination and safeguarding the rule of law. As the UN blog states: this day offers the chance “to amplify our common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.”
In this era of interconnected crises from climate change and forced migration to digital surveillance and pandemic recovery, United Nations Day serves as a reminder that human rights cannot be achieved in isolation. They depend on international cooperation, respect for national sovereignty, shared responsibility and inclusive governance. Recognizing human rights as part of the UN mission means acknowledging that peace is more than the absence of war; it is the presence of equity, voice, dignity and opportunity. On October 24, Member States, civil society organizations and individuals are encouraged to reflect on how they can contribute to the global effort to realize human rights for all.
Written by Naima Islam Nisha
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