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 seeks to honour and uphold the rights of victims of gross human rights violations. The day recognises the importance of individuals being informed of the circumstances of their oppressions and the fate of their loved ones missing or killed due to these grotesque violations. In addition, the observance pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in the struggle to promote and protect human rights for all.

This specific day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 21 December 2010, drawing inspiration from the life of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was murdered on 24 March 1980. For the island nation of New Zealand, this observance is particularly significant as it aligns with the country's commitment to uphold and champion human rights on both the national and global stage. The principles at its core deeply resonate with the core societal beliefs New Zealand values, such as equity and fairness, and New Zealand respectfully recognises the immense suffering of victims of gross human rights violations worldwide.

In New Zealand, the International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims is observed in a variety of meaningful ways. These can include activities centred on education and awareness such as speeches and panel discussions featuring human rights defenders, workshops held in universities, and societal campaigns geared towards enlightening the public about the importance of truth and justice in the face of gross human rights violations. This observance occurs annually on 24 March, marking the anniversary of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero's assassination and signalling New Zealand's firm stance against human rights violations.

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 state has been held accountable for numerous cases of abuse in care. A landmark inquiry into abuse in state care (1950s-1990s) found that around 100,000 children, young people and vulnerable adults were abused in state and faith-based institutions in New Zealand.
• Despite improvements, children's rights continue to be a significant issue. New Zealand has high rates of child poverty and abuse. In 2015, the government faced criticism for failing to fully implement the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

In the News and Trending in NZ 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 NZ 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
• Auckland War Memorial Museum: This museum has collections and exhibits that educate about war and its impact on society. This includes acknowledgement of human rights abuses that occur during times of conflict.
• Read a book to learn more about Human Rights Violations in New Zealand:
  The New Zealand Experiment: A World Model for Structural Adjustment? - by Jane Kelsey
  Tangata Whenua: An Illustrated History - by Atholl Anderson, Judith Binney and Aroha Harris