What is the International Day for the Right to the Truth?
Every year on March 24, the world observes the International Day for the Right to the Truth about serious human rights violations and to honor the dignity of victims. This day is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the pursuit of truth and justice.
The “right to the truth” is a fundamental principle in achieving justice. It ensures that serious human rights violations, such as extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, torture, and arbitrary detention, are not repeated. Families and communities across the world demand to know the full truth about the fate of their loved ones, the circumstances of their disappearance, and those responsible for their suffering.
Why is March 24 Significant?
This date marks the anniversary of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, the Archbishop of El Salvador, who was one of the most prominent human rights defenders in his country. He courageously spoke out against oppression and exposed the crimes committed against the poor and marginalized. His activism made him a target of repressive forces, and on March 24, 1980, he was assassinated while leading a church service. His legacy continues as a global symbol of the fight for truth and justice.
On December 21, 2010, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared March 24 as the International Day for the Right to the Truth. This decision followed studies by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which affirmed that the right to the truth is a fundamental right. It obligates states to ensure access to information, investigate violations, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Why is the Right to the Truth Important?
This right is crucial for:
- Honoring victims of serious human rights violations.
- Holding perpetrators accountable and preventing impunity.
- Documenting crimes to ensure they are not repeated.
- Helping families of the missing find answers, which brings them closure and justice.
- Promoting human rights values through transparency and accountability.
The Association of Families of Missing Refugees and the Right to the Truth
The International Day for the Right to the Truth aligns closely with the mission of the Association of Families of Missing Refugees, which is committed to:
- Uncovering the truth about those who disappeared while seeking refuge and ensuring that such tragedies do not happen again.
- Providing support to families who live in uncertainty, waiting for answers.
- Promoting accountability and justice to prevent further cases of enforced disappearance.
On this day, the Association of Families of Missing Refugees reaffirms that the right to know the truth is not just a humanitarian demand, but a legal and moral duty. Missing persons must not remain forgotten numbers; their suffering must be acknowledged, and justice must be achieved for their families.
