International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

The right to the truth is a fundamental human right, especially in cases of gross human rights violations and serious breaches of humanitarian law. Families of victims of summary executions, enforced disappearances, torture, and abductions have the right to know the full truth about the circumstances surrounding these crimes, including the people responsible and the reasons behind them. Each year, on March 24, the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims is observed. This day honors Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was assassinated on March 24, 1980, for speaking against human rights violations in El Salvador.

Key Points

The Right to the Truth

• It is crucial in cases of human rights violations such as summary executions, enforced disappearances, and torture.
• Victims’ families have the right to know what happened, under what circumstances, and who was responsible.
• It ensures that states investigate crimes, provide justice, and offer reparations.
• Recognized as an inalienable right linked to a government’s duty to protect human rights and ensure justice.

International Day for the Right to the Truth (March 24)

• Established to raise awareness and advocate for truth, justice, and dignity for victims.
• Pays tribute to Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was assassinated in 1980 for condemning human rights abuses in El Salvador.
• Encourages governments and international organizations to strengthen efforts to uncover the truth about past human rights violations.

Purpose of the Observance

• Honoring victims of gross and systematic human rights violations.
• Recognizing activists and human rights defenders who dedicated their lives to justice and truth.
• Paying tribute to Archbishop Óscar Romero, who fought against violence, oppression, and human rights violations.

Background and Recognition

• Established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 21, 2010.
• Chosen to commemorate Archbishop Romero’s assassination on March 24, 1980.
• A 2006 UN study affirmed that the right to the truth is a fundamental, autonomous human right.
• The 2009 UN report emphasized best practices for protecting archives, records, and witnesses involved in human rights trials.

Truth and Justice in El Salvador

• The Commission on the Truth for El Salvador was created in 1991 to investigate serious human rights violations.
• The March 15, 1993 report confirmed that Archbishop Romero was assassinated by pro-government forces during Mass on March 24, 1980.