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.
“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.
Follow news related to the UN’s independent human rights experts on X: @UN_SPExperts.
