The United Nations (UN’s) International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, observed annually across the globe on March 24, is dedicated to honoring the victims of serious human rights violations and advocating for justice.
- The day also commemorates the legacy of Monsignor Oscar Arnulfo Romero, a prominent human rights activist from El Salvador, who was assassinated on March 24, 1980, for speaking against oppression and violence.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/65/196 on December 21, 2010, officially designating March 24 as this international day.
ii.The first observance took place in 2011.
Significance:
This international day serves multiple purposes:
i.To honor the victims of grave human rights abuses and raise awareness of their struggles.
ii.To recognize the contributions of individuals like Archbishop Oscar Romero, who dedicated their lives to advocating for justice.
iii.To promote the right to truth, ensuring that societies acknowledge past violations and take steps to prevent future atrocities.
About Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero:
Oscar Romero was a Salvadoran Roman Catholic Archbishop known for his vocal opposition to human rights violations by government forces, right-wing paramilitary groups, and leftist guerrillas during El Salvador’s civil conflict.
- His assassination occurred on March 24, 1980, while he was conducting mass at the Carmelite chapel of the Hospital de la Divina Providencia.
His contributions:
i.In 1997, Pope John Paul II declared him “Servant of God.”
ii.He was beatified on May 23, 2015, after being declared a martyr in February 2015.
iii.In March 2018, he was canonized by Pope Francis, making him Saint Oscar Romero.
