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 serves to honor the memory of victims of gross and systematic human rights violations. It underlines the importance of the right to truth and justice, also acknowledging the dignity of victims. This observance provides an opportunity for people around the world to reflect on past atrocities, reinforce the importance of truth, and demand justice for human rights violations.

This observance was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010 in memory of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was murdered on March 24, 1980. He bravely spoke out against violence and injustice, making him a symbol of the pursuit of truth. Today, this observance has resonance in Canada where the right to truth and justice is highly valued. It reminds Canadians of the country's historical legacy of human rights violations, particularly in the context of residential schools for Indigenous children and the mistreatment and marginalization of minority communities.

In Canada, the International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims is often marked by awareness-raising events such as exhibitions, panel discussions, and film screenings. Canadians may participate in these events to learn about past injustices, both domestically and globally, and engage in dialogues on truth-seeking and transitional justice initiatives. It is observed annually on March 24, underscoring the country’s continual commitment to human rights, truth, and justice.

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.
• Canada has federal legislation — the Canadian Human Rights Act (1977), and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) — which protect people in Canada from discrimination on numerous grounds, including race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered.
• Indigenous people in Canada often face higher rates of violence, disparities in health and education, forced evictions, and systemic discrimination. Missing and murdered indigenous women and girls has been deemed a "national genocide" by the National Inquiry.

In the News and Trending in Canada 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 Canada 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
• Visit a Human Rights Museum: A visit to museums like the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, could be a perfect way to commemorate this day. It provides a wealth of information on the struggles for human rights in Canada and around the world.
• Read a book to learn more about Human Rights Violations in Canada:
  Unreconciled: Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance in Canada - by Jesse Thistle
  The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America - by Thomas King