The United Nations(UN) International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims (Right to Truth Day) is annually observed across the globe on 24th March to pay tribute to human rights activist Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was assassinated on 24th March 1980.
- He was engaged in denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable individuals in El Salvador.
Objective:
i.To recognize the important work and values of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero of El Salvador.
ii.To commemorate the victims of gross and systematic human rights violations and to raise awareness of the significance of the right to truth and justice.
iii.To honour those who have contributed and lost their lives in the struggle to promote and protect human rights for all.
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 International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims.
ii.The day was observed for the first time on 24th March 2011.
About Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero:
i.Salvadoran Roman Catholic archbishop Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez was a vocal critic of the violent activities of the government’s armed forces, right-wing groups, and leftist guerrillas who were involved in the civil conflict of El Salvador.
ii.Óscar, the 4th archbishop of San Salvador, was assassinated on 24th March 1980 at the Carmelite chapel of the Hospital de la Divina Providencia.
iii.In 1997, Pope John Paul II bestowed upon Oscar Romero the title of “Servant of God”.
iv.He was declared a martyr in February 2015 and beatified on 23rd May 2015.
v.In March 2018, Pope Francis canonized Archbishop Oscar Romero.
About the United Nations(UN):
Secretary-General– António Guterres
Established in 1945
Headquarters– New York, United States of America
