Last Friday 24th March, all the world remembered the importance of the justice for victims of human rights violations and together with the justice the victims need, also the truth and their dignity re-established. This post is a summary of four articles. The first was published at https://www.un.org/en/observances/right-to-trutday#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20on%2024%20March,Dignity%20of%20Victims%20is%20observe. The second was published at https://arido.ca/2023/03/24/international-day-for-the-right-to-the-truth-concerning-gross-human-right-violations-the-dignity-of-victims-march-24th/. The third was published at https://opseu.org/news/the-international-day-for-the-rights-to-the-truth-concerning-gross-human-rights-violations-and-for-the-dignity-of-victims/104412/. The fourth was published at https://www.gicj.org/positions-opinons/gicj-positions-and-opinions/1376-international-day-for-the-right-to-the-truth-concerning-gross-human-rights-violations-and-for-the-dignity-of-victims-24-march
"The truth is an empowering and healing force. We embrace it for the past, the present and the future." Said the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The right to the truth is often invoked in the context of violations of human rights and grave breaches of humanitarian law. The relatives of victims of summary executions, enforced disappearance, missing persons, abducted children, torture, require to know whar happened to them. The right to the truth implies knowing the full and complete truth as to the events that transpired, their specific circumstances, and who participated in them, including knowing the circumstances in which the violations took place, as well as the reasons for the violations. When survivors share their stories, it sheds light on their experience and brings the truth out into the light. It is imperative we continue to hear their stories, believe survivors, and do everything we can to bring effective change. The right to truth is essential for th survivors of human rights violations and their families. It is a fundamental human right that must be respected and upheld. The pursuit of truth is necessary to ensure accountability for human rights violations and to prevent their recurrence. On this day, we remember the victims of human rights violations and the suffering they endured. We honor their memory by standing up for their rights and seeking justice on their behalf. We also acknowledge the courage and strength of survivors, who have shown incredible resilience in the face of trauma. It is essential that we continue to promote the right to truth, justice, and reparations for victims of human rights violations. Governments and other organizations must take concrete steps to ensure that these rights are respected and upheld. Join us in honoring the victims of human rights violations and advocating for their rights. Let us work together to build a world where human rights are respected and protected, and where victims receive justice and reparations they deserve. 24 March marked the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims. The U.N. picked this date to remember Archbishop Oscar Romero, who was murdered on 24 March 1980. He was an advocate of human rights and spoke out strongly against the government of El Salvador's violations. The U.N.H.C.H.R. declared in 2006 that the state has an obligation to protect and guarantee human rights and to conduct effective investigations and provide effective remedy and reparations when such violations occur. The daily struggles for human rights may not always take centre stage in our busy lives, but we can never forget the sacrifices made by those who have fought for, or have died for, speaking out against those who have deny others their human rights. The very rights we take for granted, many have died for. If all we can do is to pause for a moment to honour their losses, then let us do so in honour of them. The right to truth emerges in the context of violations of human rights and grave breaches of humanitarian law. Those related to victims of summary executions, enforced disappearance, abductions, and torture seek clarification about their loved ones' situations. Gaining knowledge of the full and complete truth as to the occurrences, their context and underlying reasons lies at the heart of the right to the truth. Moreover, the right to truth has been described as both an individual and collective right and it has been stipulated that the State has duty to remember. In response to the thousands of people who disappeared in Argentina and Chile in the 1970s, the U.N. established the Group on Enforced Disappearances in February of 1980 as the first special procedure with a universal mandate. Since its inception it has dealt with over 50,000 cases of disappearances from all regions of the world. The group asks Governments to carry out credible investigations into allegations. It reaffirms that States have an obligation to bring any alleged perpetrator of an enforced disappearance to justice, and to provide the necessary protection and assistance to victims, witnesses and other relevant persons. The International community is failing to protect uncountable civilians from persecution, untold suffering and death, in Syria, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, Myanmar and Ukraine to name a few. Despite numerous warning signs, the actions of the U.N. have hitherto failed to prevent crimes. Transitional justice would be key to breaking cycles of impunity and to ensure non-recurrence. The international community has the responsibility to act to prevent crimes wherever they occur if the State in question in unable or unwilling to fulfill its international obligations.
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