The United Nations(UN)’s International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims is annually observed across the globe on 24th March to pay tribute to the memory of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was murdered on 24th March 1980.
Purpose of the Day:
- To honour the memory of the victims of human rights violations and to promote the importance of the rights to truth and justice.
- To pay tribute to the people who devoted their lives and lost their lives to promote and protect human rights for all.
- To recognise the important work and value of archbishop Oscar Arnulflo Romero of El Salvador.
About Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero:
He was actively involved in denouncing the violations of Human rights of the most vulnerable individuals in El Salvador.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/65/196 on 21st December 2010 and proclaimed the 24th March of every year as the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims.
ii.The first International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims was observed on 24th March 2011.
Efforts of UN towards Human Rights:
i.The study conducted by the Office of the UN High Commissioner of Human rights(OHCHR) in 2006 concluded that the right to truth about gross human rights violation and violation against human right laws is an autonomous right linked to the duty of the state to protect human rights.
ii.In accordance with the Mexico agreements of 27th April 1991, the Commission on the Truth for El Salvador was established to investigate the acts of violence that had occurred since 1980 and its impact on society.
