International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2026; March 24th.

FORUM: "Advancing the Rights of the victims." International Day for the Right to the truth concerning the gross human rights violations 2026. The United Nations welcomes this recognition of the unique suffering of victims of human rights violations, not only at the time of abuse, but long after as they seek truth, acknowledgement, and justice. During the day, Participants will be able to debate on the topic ’’What amounts to ‘a serious violation of international human rights law’?’’. On this commemorative day and every day, we emphasize the right to truth and pay tribute to those who devote their lives to the human rights of all. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #RighttotheTruthDay. #Humanrightsviolations, #RighttotheTruthDay #24March, #paytritute, #minuteofsilence

EVENTS: A minute of silence to pay tribute to the memory of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was murdered on 24 March 1980.

On March 24th, the commemorative ceremony will be observed worldwide. The organizers, panelists and participants will have the opportunity to reinforce the commitments to end the cycle of impunity and the possibility to learn how to fight for the respect of human rights for all. The OHCHR upholds this commitment to the right to truth every day, and urge the international community to add their powerful voice to advocate for justice and reparations for victims and to bring perpetrators to justice. Join us for the commemoration of the International Day for the Rights to the truth concerning the Gross Human Rights Violations 2026 at UNHQ in New york and at UN Geneva!

Professional Training series: The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance is the first universally legally binding human rights instrument concerning enforced disappearance. It outlines States parties’ obligations vis-à-vis this phenomenon as well as the victims’ fundamental rights. Ten years after the adoption of the Convention, there is still work to do to eradicate and prevent enforced disappearances in all parts of the world.

Reporting under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance: Training Guide (Part I – Manual)

Reporting under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance: Training Guide (Part II – Training package)

STATEMENTS: Statement from the U.N. Secretary-General on the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2025; March 24th.

Statement delivered by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence and the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances 2026; March 24th.

“In a context marked by the dangerous denial and manipulation of information concerning gross human rights violations, the manufacture of popular support, the elusion of responsibility and the erosion of victims’ rights, it is essential to reaffirm the inalienable right to know the truth, a pillar of transitional justice processes and a vital guarantee of non-recurrence,” said the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence and the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances today.


“Exacerbated by new technologies, instances of glorification, revisionism and negationism of gross human rights violations are on the rise in all parts of the world, with detrimental impacts on rigorous truth-telling, and therefore on democracy and peace,” the experts warned.

“The comprehensive truth about gross human rights violations, including accurate accounts about the circumstances and responsibilities involved and the harm endured is an imprescriptible right of victims and an indispensable tool for societies to reckon with a violent past, heal and prevent future violations,” they stressed.

Commemorating the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, the experts expressed their support for the dignity and courage of survivors and families of victims who are pursuing their quest for truth and justice.

“In recent months, some political leaders, with the support of powerful corporate actors using AI-driven personalisation processes, have distorted facts, manipulated opinion, incited hatred and retraumatized victims, particularly women and historically marginalized groups. These phenomena not only undermine the prospects for peace and democracy in post-conflict and post-authoritarian settings, but pose new risks to societies that have long overcome such situations”.

The experts recalled that under international law, States are under an obligation to investigate, disclose relevant information to families of victims, including, in cases of enforced disappearance, unveiling the fate and whereabouts of the disappeared persons, and inform present and future generations. Truth-telling about such violations should be grounded on accurate accounts, especially those stemming from official transitional justice process, and must be aimed at preserving the collective memory from extinction and at guarding against the development of revisionist and negationist arguments.

Noting the vital role played by national and international accountability and truth-seeking mechanisms working to uncover the truth, they expressed alarm at the recent acts of intimidation and sanctions directed against their members, such as International Criminal Court Prosecutor and Judges, and called for their robust protection.

“Law professionals are at the very heart of the right to know the truth. Their contribution is essential to establish facts, ensure accountability, reparations, and guarantee non-recurrence. They must receive unconditional support against any form of intimidation, reprisals or punishment related to their professional duties,” the experts underscored.

In the second semester of 2026, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, Bernard Duhaime, will present a report on “the challenges of denial, negationism and revisionism of serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law in transitional justice contexts”, and another on “New Technology and Transitional Justice”, to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly, respectively. As regards the Working Group, which has already produced a report on New technologies and Enforced Disappearances in 2023, it will present a thematic report on Enforced Disappearances and Memorialization to the Human Rights Council in September 2026.


The experts:Bernard Duhaime, Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence
Gabriella Citroni (Chair-Rapporteur), Grażyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Baldé, Ana Lorena Delgadillo Pérez and Mohamed Al Obaidi, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances

Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organisation, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR.


Special Rapporteur on the promotion of Truth; Justice; Reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence & 
Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances;

For inquiries and media requests, please contact: hrc-sr-truth@un.org.
Follow news related to the UN’s independent human rights experts on X: @UN_SPExperts.

International Day for the Right to the truth concerning the gross human rights violations 2025; March 24th.

FORUM: "Advancing the Rights of the victims." International Day for the Right to the truth concerning the gross human rights violations 2025. The United Nations welcomes this recognition of the unique suffering of victims of human rights violations, not only at the time of abuse, but long after as they seek truth, acknowledgement, and justice. During the day, Participants will be able to debate on the topic ’’What amounts to ‘a serious violation of international human rights law’?’’. On this commemorative day and every day, we emphasize the right to truth and pay tribute to those who devote their lives to the human rights of all. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #24March, #Dignityforvictims, #Humanrightsviolations, #RighttotheTruthDay.

EVENTS: A minute of silence to pay tribute to the memory of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was murdered on 24 March 1980.

On March 24th, the International Day will be observed worldwide. The organizers, panelists and participants will have the opportunity to reinforce the commitments to end the cycle of impunity and the possibility to learn how to fight for the respect of human rights for all. The OHCHR upholds this commitment to the right to truth every day, and urge the international community to add their powerful voice to advocate for justice and reparations for victims and to bring perpetrators to justice. Join us for the commemoration of the International Day for the Rights to the truth concerning the Gross Human Rights Violations 2025 at UNHQ in New york and Geneva!

Professional Training series: The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance is the first universally legally binding human rights instrument concerning enforced disappearance. It outlines States parties’ obligations vis-à-vis this phenomenon as well as the victims’ fundamental rights. Ten years after the adoption of the Convention, there is still work to do to eradicate and prevent enforced disappearances in all parts of the world.

• Reporting under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance: Training Guide (Part I – Manual)
• Reporting under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance: Training Guide (Part II – Training package)

STATEMENTS: Statement from the U.N. Secretary-General on the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2025; March 24th.

Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, Bernard Duhaime on the observance of the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2025; March 24th.

“Recent events marked by the end of repression or conflict in some countries demonstrate that in the face of systematic abuse, the quest of victims and their families for truth and justice will always prevail,” Bernard Duhaime, Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, said today. Commemorating the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, Duhaime expressed his recognition and support for the courage, resilience and dignity of victims. “I stand in solidarity with victims of gross human rights violations and call on States to put in place the mechanisms and procedures that can enable them to know about the violations they or their relatives have endured,” Duhaime said. The expert highlighted that Truth commissions play a pivotal role in uncovering the facts, providing a platform for victims’ voices, and fostering accountability. “By investigating, transmitting clear and accurate accounts of past violations and preserving a historical record of atrocities, truth commissions contribute to achieving justice, providing reparation to victims, and preventing future violations,” Duhaime added. Noting that members and staff of truth commissions are subject to criminalization, intimidation or threats to their life, health or safety, in various parts of the world, the expert called on States to take more robust measures to protect them, including by affording them the necessary privileges and immunities associated to their roles. “At the time when human rights are being sidelined and multilateralism increasingly being challenged, clear, full and strong support to the work of national and international truth and accountability mechanisms becomes ever more critical,” Duhaime added. The UN expert also expressed deep concern over the growing global challenges of negationism, revisionism and politicization with regard to gross violations of human rights. “Instances of weaponization of truth by political or sectarian interests that seek to rekindle violence or obtain political gain are sadly becoming common place. Denial of past grievances constitutes an active human rights violation and a strong indicator of future violence. Responses must be rights-based, address the dissemination of false information and promote the work of national or international accountability and truth-seeking mechanisms”, the UN expert concluded. 

ENDS The expert: Bernard Duhaime, Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice,reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence.

 Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index.

International Day for the Right to the truth concerning the gross human rights violations 2024; March 24th. World Tuberculosis Day 2024 March 24th.

FORUM: "Advancing Victims' Rights and Rebuilding Just Communities." International Day for the Right to the truth concerning the gross human rights violations 2024. The United Nations welcomes this recognition of the unique suffering of victims of human rights violations, not only at the time of abuse, but long after as they seek truth, acknowledgement, and justice. During the day, Participants will be able to debate on the topic ’’What amounts to ‘a serious violation of international human rights law’?’’. On this commemorative day and every day, we emphasize the right to truth and pay tribute to those who devote their lives to the human rights of all. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #24March, #Dignityforvictims, #Humanrightsviolations, #RighttotheTruthDay.

EVENTS: On March 24th, the International Day will be observed worldwide under the theme "Advancing Victims' Rights and Rebuilding Just Communities". The organizers, panelists and participants will have the opportunity to reinforce the commitments to end the cycle of impunity and the possibility to learn how to fight for the respect of human rights for all. The OHCHR upholds this commitment to the right to truth every day, and urge the international community to add their powerful voice to advocate for justice and reparations for victims and to bring perpetrators to justice. Join us for the commemoration of the International Day for the Rights to the truth concerning the Gross Human Rights Violations 2024 at UNHQ in New york and Geneva!

Professional Training series: The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance is the first universally legally binding human rights instrument concerning enforced disappearance. It outlines States parties’ obligations vis-à-vis this phenomenon as well as the victims’ fundamental rights. Ten years after the adoption of the Convention, there is still work to do to eradicate and prevent enforced disappearances in all parts of the world.

• Reporting under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance: Training Guide (Part I – Manual)
• Reporting under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance: Training Guide (Part II – Training package)

STATEMENTS: Statement from the U.N. Secretary-General on the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2024; March 24th.

LIVESTREAM: Advancing Victims' Rights and Rebuilding Just Communities. ICTJ

The International Center for Transitional Justice assists countries pursuing accountability for past mass atrocity or human rights abuse. ICTJ works in societies emerging from repressive rule or armed conflict, as well as in established democracies where historical injustices or systemic abuse remain unresolved. Governments and others seeking to promote justice, peace and reconciliation are likely to consider a variety of responses to human rights crimes. ICTJ assists in the development of integrated, comprehensive and localized approaches to transitional justice, focusing on seven key elements: prosecutions, truth-seeking, institutional reform, gender justice, reparations, peace and justice, and memorials.

International Day for the Right to the truth concerning the gross human rights violations and for the Dignity of victims 2023; March 24th.

FORUM: Financing of reparations owed to victims of serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law. International Day for the Right to the truth concerning the gross human rights violations 2023. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #24March,  #Dignityforvictims, #Humanrightsviolations, #RighttotheTruthDay.

                       

Statement from the U.N. Secretary-General on the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2023; March 24th.

EVENTS: A Webinar will be held on March 24th at UNHQ to observe the International Day for the Right to the truth concerning the gross human rights violations 2023.

CALL FOR IMPUTS

Background: The Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence will devote his report to the 78th session of the General Assembly, in October 2023, to thoroughly reviewing the question of financing of reparations owed to victims of serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law. In order to obtain a broad representation of views to inform the thematic report, he is seeking written contributions from all relevant actors through responses to a questionnaire.
Objectives: The report will review the existing experiences, challenges, good practices and lessons learned regarding measures adopted at national and international levels to fund and sustain reparations offered or provided to victims of serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law.

Key questions and types of inputs/comments sought: In order to obtain a broad representation of views to inform the thematic report, the Special Rapporteur is seeking written contributions from all relevant actors through responses to a questionnaire.

The questionnaire is available in English | Français | Español.

Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice reparation & guarantees of non-recurrence.

International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2022; March 24th.

 

Each year, on 24 March, the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims is observed.


The purpose of the Day is to:
- Honour the memory of victims of gross and systematic human rights violations and promote the importance of the right to truth and justice;
- Pay tribute to those who have devoted their lives to, and lost their lives in, the struggle to promote and protect human rights for all;
- Recognize, in particular, the important work and values of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, of El Salvador, who was assasinated on 24 March 1980, after denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable populations and defending the principles of protecting lives, promoting human dignity and opposition to all forms of violence.

Statement by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2022; March 24th.

Join the forum: The right to the truth

International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2021; March 24

 

Each year, on 24 March, the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims is observed.

FORUM: 2021 as International Year of Peace and Trust.

The purpose of the Day is to:

- Honor the memory of victims of gross and systematic human rights violations and promote the importance of the right to truth and justice;
- Pay tribute to those who have devoted their lives to, and lost their lives in, the struggle to promote and protect human rights for all;
- Recognize, in particular, the important work and values of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, of El Salvador, who was assasinated on 24 March 1980, after denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable populations and defending the principles of protecting lives, promoting human dignity and opposition to all forms of violence. 

EVENTS: "Reimagining Restorative Justice" International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2021; March 24.