Hochul announces lighting of NYS landmarks to commemorate International Human Rights Day

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday announced landmarks would be lit blue today to commemorate International Human Rights Day – which is observed every year on Dec. 10 to commemorate the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This milestone document proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

"Eleanor Roosevelt – one of our state's greatest citizens and a driving force behind the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – said that human rights begin close to home, and I wholeheartedly agree," Hochul said. "New York has been leading the nation in human rights protections since 1945, and as governor, I will ensure that our state continues to be a beacon of hope for the oppressed all over the globe."

The landmarks to be lit in recognition of International Human Rights Day include:

• 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
• The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• The Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Empire State Plaza

New York State Division of Human Rights Acting Commissioner Maria L. Imperial said, "Everyone benefits by creating an equitable society. It's not about getting people a seat at the table. It's about building a new table open to all. The Division of Human Rights is committed to ensure equal opportunity for every individual who lives, works or learns in New York state."

New Yorkers can learn more about the human rights law or report bias and discrimination by contacting the New York State Division of Human Rights at 1-888-392-3644 or visiting https://dhr.ny.gov.