International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims (24 Mar)
International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims is observed annually on March 24. This day serves as a call to action for states to prioritize uncovering the truth, acknowledging the suffering of victims, and ensuring justice for gross human rights violations.
Key Details:
- The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the observance in 2010, initially marking it on December 10.
- In 2014, the date was changed to March 24 to commemorate the tragic killing of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero of El Salvador on the same day in 1980.
- The day aims to honor the memory of human rights defenders who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth and justice.
- It emphasizes the fundamental principles of the right to truth, access to justice, and reparations for victims.
- The day promotes the establishment of effective mechanisms for investigating and prosecuting gross human rights violations.
- States are urged to cooperate in international efforts to combat impunity, provide effective remedies, and support the work of truth commissions.
- The United Nations encourages various stakeholders, including states, intergovernmental organizations, civil society groups, and individuals, to actively engage in promoting and protecting the right to truth.
- Commemoration of the day often involves public events, discussions, forums, workshops, and other initiatives to raise awareness and garner support for the rights of victims of gross human rights violations.
- By shedding light on past atrocities and demanding accountability, the day contributes to building societies that uphold human rights and the rule of law.
Celebrating International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
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Observance by the United Nations: The United Nations, particularly the UN Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, holds events and discussions on this day to raise awareness and promote the right to truth. They often issue statements and reports highlighting the significance of truth and justice for victims of gross human rights violations.
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National and Local Observances: Many countries, cities, and organizations around the world mark this day with various activities. These may include seminars, workshops, lectures, film screenings, exhibitions, and commemorative ceremonies. The focus is on educating the public, promoting dialogue, and advocating for the rights of victims to know the truth about past atrocities.
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Collaboration with NGOs: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that work on human rights and transitional justice often organize events and campaigns to mark this day. They may collaborate with victims’ groups, survivors, families of those affected by human rights violations, and human rights defenders to share their experiences and advocate for accountability.
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Storytelling and Testimonies: To honor the dignity of victims, this day often features storytelling and testimonies from survivors of gross human rights violations. These personal narratives help humanize the issue and remind the world of the lasting impact of atrocities on individuals and communities.
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Social Media Campaigns: Many organizations and individuals use social media platforms to raise awareness and encourage discussions about the right to truth. Hashtags such as #RightToTruth, #TruthAndJustice, and #DignityOfVictims are commonly used to share information, resources, and personal stories related to this day.
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Advocacy and Calls for Action: On this day, activists and human rights organizations may issue calls for action, urging governments and international bodies to take concrete steps to uphold the right to truth. They may demand investigations into past human rights violations, support for truth commissions, and the establishment of mechanisms for reparations and accountability.