A resolution recognizing Human Rights Day on December 10, 2025, and commemorating the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Celebration of "Human Rights Day".

Senate Resolution

S.Res. 540

119th Congress

A resolution recognizing Human Rights Day on December 10, 2025, and commemorating the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Celebration of "Human Rights Day".

In Committee

Introduced:Dec 10, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Christopher Coons

D - DE

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

International Affairs

Summary

This bipartisan resolution recognizes December 10, 2025, as Human Rights Day, commemorating the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (adopted December 10, 1948). It notes Freedom House has tracked 19 consecutive years of declining global rights and freedoms, with 60 countries experiencing declines in 2024 versus only 34 improving.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S8627)

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bipartisan resolution recognizes December 10, 2025, as Human Rights Day, commemorating the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (adopted December 10, 1948). It notes Freedom House has tracked 19 consecutive years of declining global rights and freedoms, with 60 countries experiencing declines in 2024 versus only 34 improving.

Last updated: 12/26/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Designates December 10, 2025 as Human Rights Day
Commemorates 77th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Notes 19 consecutive years of declining global rights (Freedom House)
Reports estimated 1 million political prisoners worldwide
Cites projected $1.9 billion annual cut to human rights foreign aid by 2026
Bipartisan: Sen. Coons (D) and Sen. Tillis (R) sponsors

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Human rights advocates gain congressional recognition of global challenges. Political prisoners worldwide are acknowledged. Foreign aid cuts to human rights programs are documented. Religious minorities, journalists, and pro-democracy activists facing persecution receive attention.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

International Affairs

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

540, 119th Congress (2025). "A resolution recognizing Human Rights Day on December 10, 2025, and commemorating the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Celebration of "Human Rights Day".". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-sres-540