On the International Human Rights Day... We ask, Where is humanity?

Exclusive: Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

With the escalation of wars and conflicts across the globe, and the worsening phenomenon of violence and violations from every direction, where are people today? Are there any ears that listen to their suffering? Are there serious initiatives to preserve their rights that have been taken away from them?

These are legitimate questions, and the answers may remain unknown amidst the absence of some practical and international steps as a result of the ongoing conflicts that cast their shadows across the region and the world. Humanity is at stake, and human dignity is breathing its last gasps.

Hence, the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on March 24, 2010, is a day that truly rings an alarm bell, especially as the number of victims of wars and conflicts continues to rise, searching for a justice awaited by their families as a beacon of hope amidst the tragedies surrounding them.

Based on the aforementioned considerations provided by the United Nations, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) follows up on all humanitarian issues, having always defending them, striving to be a resounding voice in the wilderness. The Council also continues its efforts to preserve human dignity and rights, and serve people with dignity through the roundtables it organizes and the prominent materials it presents via its media platforms, in addition to the social and relief programs it implements to heal the wounds of the neediest and destitute people.

The Right to the Truth

The International Day for the Right to the Truth is a reminder of the need to stand up for human dignity and freedom against injustice and oppression. According to the United Nations, its purpose is to commemorate the victims of gross and systematic human rights violations, emphasize the importance of the right to truth and justice, and pay tribute to all those who have dedicated their lives to promoting and protecting human rights and have sacrificed their lives for that cause.

This day also recognizes the important work of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero in promoting and protecting human rights in his country. His work has received international recognition, particularly through his letters denouncing the human rights violations suffered by the most vulnerable groups.

Continuous Efforts Toward the Awaited Justice

If we recall the efforts and endeavors undertaken over the past years to protect human rights, we note that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights conducted a study in 2006, concluding that the right to know the truth regarding gross human rights violations and serious violations of human rights law is an inalienable and independent right. It also indicates that the state's duty lies in protecting and guaranteeing human rights, conducting effective investigations, and ensuring effective redress and compensation.

The study noted that the right to know the truth is linked to knowing the full truth, without omission, in all its details, including the facts revealed, the circumstances surrounding them and those involved, as well as the circumstances in which the violations occurred and their causes.

In 2009, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a report identifying best practices for the "effective implementation of the right to the truth," particularly practices related to archives and records relating to gross human rights violations, and programs for the protection of witnesses and other persons involved in trials related to such violations.

Thus, we hope to live in a world filled with peace, justice, and dignity, free from all violations that threaten human life.

On the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, we salute the souls of all victims and all those who have patiently contributed, worked, and prayed to know the truth about violations. Even if justice on earth is absent, heavenly justice will not be absent.

But in the face of all these hopes, have international human rights conventions and treaties borne fruit?

We put the question in front of those who are concerned, especially in light of all the tragedies that people are experiencing today!