Right to Truth Day
Right to Truth Day
Every year, the 24th of March is used by the United Nations (UN) to mark the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, commonly referred to as the Right to Truth Day. The term of the ‘right to truth’ is often brought up in situations that concern the gross violations of human rights and horrific betrayals of humanitarian law.
The right to truth equates to victims and communities knowing the complete truth around traumatic events, understanding the events unique circumstances, addressing who was involved, knowing the nature in which the violations occurred, and not to mention, any other information that leads to a victims healing and personal empowerment.
This day not only strives to empower and support the rights of victims, but pays tribute to the powerful memory of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero (photographed in the image above). On the 24th of March in 1980, Monsignor Romero was assassinated for his public denouncement of human rights violations against the most vulnerable populations of society. He actively engaged with the human rights issues of the most vulnerable individuals in El Salvador, fighting for the universal right to truth and protection of humanitarian work.
On this day, you’re asked to honour the memory of victims of gross human rights violations by promoting the importance of upholding humanitarian law, taking a moment to learn about the brave humanitarian work achieved by Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, and through paying tribute to individuals who have passed away or devoted their lives to protecting human rights for all.
You can visit their website for important information around gross human rights violations, how to get involved with Right to Truth Day’s initiative, and for ways you can show your appreciation to the individuals that work tirelessly to maintain and uphold our human rights.
