Florida State University’s Mark Schlakman, senior program director at the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights (CAHR), is available to discuss the significance of Human Rights Day, which takes place annually on December 10. The day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.
Schlakman highlighted that the UDHR was a major achievement shaped by diverse legal and cultural experts worldwide after World War II. He noted, “The overarching goal (of the UDHR) was to acknowledge and foster respect for inherent human rights. This transcends nationality, race and ethnicity, where one lives, whether one identifies as religious irrespective of religion or secular, gender, membership in a particular social group, political opinion, socio-economic status or any other potentially distinguishing characteristics.”
He explained that since its adoption in Paris in 1948, the UDHR has been translated into more than 500 languages and has inspired over 70 human rights treaties. Among these is the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which has been ratified by 174 nations out of 193 recognized by the UN.
Schlakman also pointed out that while the United States played a significant role in shaping both the UDHR and subsequent treaties like the ICCPR—a process marked by bipartisan support—public awareness about these frameworks tends to be higher abroad than domestically.
Addressing how human rights should be represented in today’s media landscape, Schlakman said these issues are not just diplomatic or abstract matters but have practical implications at state and local levels. He cited events such as gatherings honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or bicentennial celebrations like “200 Years of Florida Civil Rights Champions,” which featured artwork from Ted Ellis, director of FSU’s Civil Rights Institute within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. Schlakman collaborates with Ellis to highlight that civil rights are essentially codified human rights.
Half of Ellis’ renderings honored local figures Fred and Doby Flowers—FSU’s first African American athlete and homecoming queen—who contributed significantly to establishing FSU’s Civil Rights Institute.
Schlakman emphasized that frameworks supporting human rights are relevant not only for government officials but also for students, faculty, staff, administrators, and broader civil society. These frameworks can facilitate engagement across institutions such as Florida A&M University and Tallahassee State College as well as local schools.
Additionally, he noted that FSU offers a Human Rights & Social Justice major through its Religion Department within the College of Arts and Sciences.
Media interested in interviews regarding Human Rights Day can contact Schlakman via email at mschlakman@fsu.edu.
