Today in History: UN adopts Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948

The following are some of the major notable events that occurred on December 10 throughout history:

1898 – Treaty of Paris ends Spanish–American War: On December 10, 1898, representatives of Spain and the United States signed the Treaty of Paris, formally ending the Spanish–American War. Under the agreement, Spain relinquished control of Cuba and ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the U.S., while the Philippines were sold to the U.S. for $20 million. This treaty marked the end of Spain’s colonial empire in the Americas and the Pacific.

1901 – First Nobel Prizes awarded: Exactly five years after Alfred Nobel’s death, the inaugural Nobel Prize ceremonies were held on December 10, 1901 in Stockholm. Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace were conferred that day to recognize “the greatest benefit on mankind” achieved in the preceding year. The 1901 awards established a prestigious global tradition in science, culture and peace.

1932 – “Emu War” concludes in Australia: In an unusual episode of wildlife conflict, the Australian government officially abandoned its campaign against emus on December 10, 1932. Farmers had enlisted soldiers to cull thousands of emus that were destroying crops, but the birds proved remarkably resilient. After about a month of clashes, officials “surrendered” to the emu population, effectively ending the so‑called Emu War.

1948 – UN adopts Universal Declaration of Human Rights: On December 10, 1948 the United Nations General Assembly in Paris adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Drafted by a global committee, the Declaration articulated for the first time fundamental rights (such as freedom, equality and dignity) to be universally protected. December 10 is now observed annually as International Human Rights Day in honor of this milestone document.

1950 – Ralph Bunche wins Nobel Peace Prize: American diplomat Ralph J. Bunche received the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on December 10, 1950. Bunche was honored for mediating the cease-fire in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, and he became the first African American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. His award recognized efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East after World War II.

1964 – Martin Luther King Jr. accepts Nobel Peace Prize: Civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on December 10, 1964. Awarded for his nonviolent struggle for racial equality in the United States, King’s acceptance speech that day highlighted the global significance of the American civil rights movement. He dedicated the prize to the “mighty army of [civil rights] movement” and the cause of justice worldwide.

1982 – United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea signed: On December 10, 1982, representatives from 117 nations signed the treaty codifying the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This landmark agreement established international rules governing maritime boundaries, exclusive economic zones and the use of ocean resources. It created a comprehensive legal framework regulating the world’s oceans and marine affairs.

1989 – Dalai Lama accepts Nobel Peace Prize: The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet gave his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in Oslo on December 10, 1989. Awarded for his commitment to nonviolent resistance and Tibetan autonomy, the Dalai Lama’s acceptance on this date underscored global attention to human rights and spiritual freedom. His prize was viewed as a tribute to “all who struggle for freedom and world peace”.

1996 – South Africa’s new Constitution signed: On December 10, 1996, President Nelson Mandela signed South Africa’s new constitution, completing the nation’s transition from apartheid to democracy. The constitution enshrined full citizenship and equal rights for all South Africans, regardless of race, and laid the legal foundation for majority rule. This act symbolized the end of decades of racial segregation and the birth of a post‑apartheid nation.

2007 – First elected female President of Argentina sworn in: Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was inaugurated on December 10, 2007 as Argentina’s first elected female president. Her swearing-in marked a historic milestone for women’s representation in Latin American politics. Fernández de Kirchner succeeded her husband, former President Néstor Kirchner, ushering in a new era of leadership while continuing her party’s policies.