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 collaboration with
Stanford: A Caring Community
invite you to 100 Cups of Coffee Community Gathering
Talk together over coffee & tea
What do you love about Stanford?
How can we better get to know our neighbors?
What would people like to see in the Stanford community?
Sunday, June 29, 2pm-4pm
Stanford Recreation Pavilion, (Rec park behind library)
40 Creamery Road, Stanford
Registration suggested.
Please RSVP by June 25th
The Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights is seeking candidates for membership on the Commission to fill vacancies as terms expire. Individuals who are dedicated to the cause of human rights and seek to ensure Dutchess County is an inclusive and respectful community for all are encouraged to apply. The Commission seeks candidates who represent the full diversity of the County, including geographical diversity. Learn more about serving as a Commission member. Applications are available online. Application deadline is May 30, 2025.
The Commission on Human Rights, in collaboration with local faith communities and the Jewish Federation of Dutchess County, held two Breaking Bread, Building Bridges events this spring. The purpose of the events was for participants to get to know each other over light conversations and refreshments.
Read moreIn the fall, 2023, the Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights became aware that hateful signs had been hung throughout the Village of Millerton.
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.