March 24: United Nations International Day for the Right to the Truth
On December 21, 2010, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 24 as the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims.
The purpose of this day is to honor the memory of victims of gross and systematic human rights violations and promote the importance of the right to truth and justice; to pay tribute to those who have dedicated and lost their lives in the struggle to promote and protect human rights for all; to recognize, in particular, the important work of Monsignor Oscar Arnulfo Romero of El Salvador, who was assassinated on March 24, 1980, after denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable populations and defending the principles of protecting lives, promoting human dignity and opposition to all forms of violence.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizes that truth is a source of strength and healing. In his message for the 2022 International Day, the Secretary-General recalled the importance of truth as a powerful light. This light exposes violations that perpetrators would prefer to keep hidden, illuminates a path towards peace, justice, and remediation for victims, and compels countries to uphold their obligations under international law. Guterres emphasized that when the light of truth is extinguished, societies plunge into a dark world of threats, lies, and distrust. He confirmed the intent to lift the silence on these grave violations and to help societies heal divisions, reconcile in peace, and come together to support and protect every person's health, safety, dignity, and opportunities.
In conclusion, the right to the truth is recognized as an inalienable and autonomous right, connected to the duty of the State to protect and guarantee human rights, conduct effective investigations, and ensure effective reparations and remedies. This right presupposes the need to know the full truth about the events that occurred, the circumstances in which they happened, and who participated in them. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in the 2009 Report (A/HRC/12/19), identified best practices for the effective implementation of this right, particularly practices related to archives and records dealing with gross human rights violations and witness protection programs and other persons involved in processes related to such violations.
The day of March 24 continues to serve as an important reminder of the value and relevance of obtaining the truth for victims of gross human rights violations worldwide.