The UN General Assembly adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France, on December 10, 1948.

All states and interested organizations were invited to mark December 10 as Human Rights Day at a UN meeting on December 4, 1950.

It was first observed on December 10 that year and has been observed each year on the same date.

The day is being observed worldwide on Friday under the theme "Human rights defenders who act to end discrimination"..

In Ethiopia, the day was marked with a mass procession organized by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC). Various civic associations took part in the event.

Speaking on the occasion, EHRC Commissioner, Ambassador Tiruneh Zena said this year’s human rights day is dedicated to paying tribute to human rights defenders.

He called on citizens to contribute share towards the respect of human rights.

ETV Reports