The Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission in partnership with the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office hosts a Human Rights Day Celebration annually in December. Human Rights Day is observed globally every year on December 10th to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.

2026 United Nations Human Rights Day Theme: To Be Announced

The celebration recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership, advocacy, service, and community impact help to advance human rights, dignity, access, and belonging throughout Salt Lake City.

Nominate a Human Rights Champion

Do you know an individual or organization making a meaningful difference in Salt Lake City?

The Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission invites all community members to submit nominations for the 2026 Human Rights Day Awards. These awards recognize people and organizations whose work demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing human rights and strengthening diverse communities.

Nominations open Monday, October 12, 2026, and close Monday, November 2, 2026.

Emerging Leader

The Emerging Leader for Human Rights Award recognizes an individual who is demonstrating exceptional promise as a leader in human rights, access, or community advocacy. Nominees should be making an impact through service, education, organizing, advocacy, civic engagement, or other efforts that help create a more equitable and inclusive Salt Lake City. This award is intended to recognize someone who is growing in their leadership, inspiring others, and helping to shape the future of human rights work in our community.

Nominate an Emerging Leader

Inspirational Advocate

The Inspirational Advocate for Human Rights Award recognizes an individual whose leadership, advocacy, service, or professional work has made a significant contribution to advancing human rights in Salt Lake City. Nominees should demonstrate a sustained commitment to promoting access, addressing discrimination, advocating for historically underserved communities, creating systemic change, or helping others understand and uphold human rights. Their work should inspire others and contribute to lasting positive change.

Nominate an Inspirational Advocate

Community Partner for Human Rights

The Community Partner for Human Rights Award recognizes an organization, group, business, nonprofit, educational institution, or other community partner whose programs, partnerships, services, or initiatives have strengthened human rights and improved the well-being of Salt Lake City residents. Nominees should demonstrate a meaningful commitment to access, belonging, collaboration, and creating a community where all people are treated with dignity.

Nominate a Community Partner

The Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission warmly invites you to join us for the 2026 Human Rights Day Celebration, an evening dedicated to recognizing the individuals and organizations who are advancing human rights throughout our communities. The celebration serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold the dignity and rights of every person while recognizing those who work to advance human rights every day.

This free community event will feature an evening of recognition, connection, and celebration, including cultural performances, catered dinner, and the presentation of the Salt Lake City Human Rights Awards honoring individuals and organizations whose work exemplifies a commitment to advancing human rights in our community.

Whether you are attending to celebrate this year’s honorees, connect with community leaders, or learn more about local human rights efforts, we welcome you to join us for this meaningful annual tradition.

Reserve your spot by completing our RSVP form:
https://forms.gle/NPczUJu5cVH1Gksr8

Stay Connected

Updates about the Human Rights Day Celebration, including event details, award recipients, and special announcements, will be shared through the Human Rights Day Celebration newsletter.

Subscribe to our newsletter:
https://www.myslc.gov/s/newsletters
Select “Human Rights Day Celebration” to receive updates.

For additional inquiries, please contact [email protected].

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