Landmarks across New York State will be illuminated in blue on December 10 to mark International Human Rights Day. The event commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms basic rights for all individuals regardless of their background.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “On this International Human Rights Day, our state is proud to have a history leading the nation in advancing human rights — but the fight for equality is far from over. That’s why this past year, my administration invested a historic $11 million into the New York State Division of Human Rights to lead a wholesale agency modernization, increase staffing levels, and develop new units to better position New York State to protect the fundamental human rights you deserve.”
The New York State Division of Human Rights enforces one of the oldest and most comprehensive anti-discrimination laws in the United States. Commissioner Denise M. Miranda said, “In 1945, New York State passed the first state-level, anti-discrimination law in the nation. Today, the New York State Division of Human Rights proudly builds upon that legacy as a nation-leading human rights law enforcement agency. The New York State Division of Human Rights remains committed to protecting all New Yorkers from discrimination, hate and bias.”
Among the landmarks scheduled for illumination are One World Trade Center, Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Kosciuszko Bridge, H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, State Education Building, Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, Empire State Plaza, Niagara Falls and others.
The Division offers resources for those affected by discrimination or hate incidents and conducts its proceedings free of charge through its website dhr.ny.gov.
