Dutchess County is committed to ensuring our community is inclusive and respectful for all, with the human rights of every individual protected and championed.
The mission of the Commission on Human Rights Commission is defending human rights, bridging differences and embracing diversity.
If you believe you have a human rights issue, please contact us so that we can discuss the situation with you and help you decide the best course of action. This may include, but is not limited to, filing a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR) White Plains office.
In the fall, 2023, the Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights became aware that hateful signs had been hung throughout the Village of Millerton.
Read moreMore than 120 students from 7 high schools participated in the Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights 100 Cups of Coffee Dialogue Project, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): What Does it Mean Today?
Read moreConfidentially report to the Commission on Human Rights
Links to organizations and news articles
We are one people and one New York. We will not tolerate hate crimes.
To learn more about protections under NYS Human Rights Law, as well as filing a complaint, go to the NYS Division of Human Rights where you will find brochures, videos, complaint forms and other important information.
Eleanor Roosevelt became the first chair of the United Nations Human Rights Commission and led a two year process that resulted in the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on December 10, 1948. Each year on December 10, we commemorate International Human Rights Day and the adoption of the UDHR.
Since then, a central goal of U.S. foreign policy has been the promotion of respect for human rights, as embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The United States understands that the existence of human rights helps secure the peace, deter aggression, promote the rule of law, combat crime and corruption, strengthen democracies, and prevent humanitarian crises.