State landmarks to be illuminated to commemorate International Human Rights Day, 75th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights

New York State Division of Human Rights releases annual report highlighting achievements in past fiscal year

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced landmarks would be lit blue Friday night to commemorate International Human Rights Day, which is observed every year on Dec. 10 in honor of the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the milestone document, which enshrines the rights that all people are entitled to as human beings, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

“New York has the proud distinction of being the first state in the nation to enact a human rights law, and it is with unwavering commitment that we will continue to lead the nation in protecting these fundamental rights,” Hochul said. “Today, we honor the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and look to the future of this great state with optimism and pride as we advance our mission to make New York a welcoming home to all.”

New York State Division of Human Rights Commissioner Maria Imperial said, “Seventy-five years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrined the truth that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Here in New York state, we celebrate this significant date by continuing our mission of eliminating discrimination, remedying injustice, and promoting equal opportunity, access and dignity for all New Yorkers.”

Hochul’s team said, “New York state holds historical ties to the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Key to the declaration’s success was the leadership of former First Lady and New York state native Eleanor Roosevelt, who chaired the committee that drafted the declaration. Roosevelt’s tireless dedication and diplomacy made multinational consensus-building possible, leading to the eventual and unanimous approval of the declaration by the UN General Assembly.”

The New York State Division of Human Rights released its annual report highlighting the agency’s activities in fiscal year 2023.

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Human Rights Day, the following New York landmarks will be lit blue tonight:

• One World Trade Center
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Empire State Plaza
• Fairport Lift Bridge Over the Erie Canal
• Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park