International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

The International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims is dedicated to honouring victims of human rights violations and promoting the importance of truth in confronting painful historical events. It's not merely about acknowledging the painful past, but about learning from it, ensuring the non-recurrence of such violations, and restoring the dignity of victims.

Originating from the tireless efforts of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was assassinated whilst denouncing gross human rights violations in El Salvador, this day holds significant relevance to South Africa. The nation's journey from apartheid to democracy, testified during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), frames this observance within its local context. This process of truth-telling, acknowledging human rights transgressions, and seeking reparations for victims underlines the crux of this International Day.

In South Africa, International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims is often observed through dialogues, exhibitions, and memorial services, allowing for reflection on the past while fostering the promotion of human rights. These activities serve as an affirmation of the nation's commitment to upholding human rights, denouncing violations, and seeking truth. These activities typically take place on March 24, commemorating the date of Romero's assassination.

Facts about this day

• March 24th serves as tribute to the memory of El Salvadorian Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero. Romero was assassinated on March 24th, 1980 after denouncing human right violations against vulnerable populations. He tried to preach human dignity and to speak out against all forms of violence.
  
• According to the UN, the right to the truth about human rights violations is an inalienable and autonomous right. As such, this right must be protected and guaranteed by individual nations. It is up to each nation to conduct effective investigations and to guarantee effective solutions and reparations.
• The TRC was led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a leading human rights activist and Nobel Prize laureate. Tutu believed in the power of truth and reconciliation as a means to provide healing and justice for the victims.
• Despite the end of apartheid, human rights violations, including xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, gender-based violence, police brutality and discrimination against the LGBT+ community continue to be a concern in South Africa.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

Top things to do in South Africa for this observance

• Read the UN's resolution to implement effective practices to promote the right to truth https://undocs.org/A/HRC/12/19
• Attend Discussions or Lectures: Various forums, institutions, and non-governmental organizations usually organize discussions or lectures focused on human rights. This could be an excellent opportunity to learn about the matter and interact with other individuals involved in the cause.
• Read a book to learn more about Human Rights Violations in South Africa:
  The Fate of Africa: A History of the Continent Since Independence - by Martin Meredith
  Country of My Skull: Guilt, Sorrow, and the Limits of Forgiveness in the New South Africa - by Antjie Krog