Human Rights Day 2025: Remembering the past to protect the future
How open data supports equality, dignity, and justice across Europe
Human Rights Day takes place on Wednesday, 10 December, marking the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948. This landmark document set out fundamental rights and freedoms that apply to all people, regardless of nationality, gender, or background. It is a moment to reflect on the principles of equality, dignity, and justice that underpin democratic societies worldwide.
Human Rights Day is more than a moment of reflection; it is a call to action to confront today’s most pressing challenges. From protecting freedom of expression to ensuring equal access to education and healthcare, governments, civil society, and international organisations work tirelessly to uphold these principles. In 2025, the official theme, “Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights”, highlights the importance of learning from history to safeguard human dignity and prevent injustice in the present.
Open data is essential for turning human rights principles into measurable progress. By making information transparent and accessible, it enables governments, researchers, and civil society to monitor equality, identify gaps, and design evidence-based policies. For example, the Gender Equality Index tracks disparities in work, health, and education across EU countries, guiding strategies to close gender gaps. Datasets related to migration and asylum provide insights into refugee flows and asylum applications, supporting fair migration policies and protection for vulnerable groups. Similarly, searching for fundamental rights reveals data on discrimination and access to justice, providing insights that help strengthen legal protections and promote equality across Europe.
Join the global conversation this Human Rights Day. Explore the United Nations Human Rights Day page for more details, and visit The European Data Portal to discover datasets that help drive equality and justice.
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