Gross Human Rights violations are still recurrent despite the various Human Rights instruments to regulate and protect Human Rights. Gross Human Rights violations refer to the acts or violations that threaten a human being’s very existence. Some examples of such breaches include genocide, murder, torture, unfair trials, extrajudicial killings, to name a few.

I was pleased to see an International Day to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights violations and victims’ dignity. There is no better day and no better way to talk about the truth concerning gross human rights violations and victims’ dignity than today. It is commemorated annually in Archbishop Oscar Arbulfo Romero’s memory, who was assassinated on March 24th, 1980, after denouncing human rights violations. This date honors the victims of Human Rights violations, pays tribute to those who have devoted their lives to and lost their lives in the struggle to promote and protect human rights for all. 

It is also important to honor the memory of victims of such violations by giving the truth concerning their death. The parties who grossly violate such fundamental rights should be held accountable for the offenses and brought before the justice system, and prosecuted accordingly. The right to the truth concerning such violations implies knowing the whole and complete truth about the events that transpired, their specific circumstances, and who participated in them. 

It is enough pain that a family or community loses a relative or citizen due to torture, extrajudicial killing, or genocide. Lies concerning their death or circumstances leading to their death only add salt to the wound. Therefore, it is crucial to speak the truth concerning these violations, provide victims with effective remedies, and restore their dignity. Many individuals residing in a conflict zone, such as in Cameroon’s Anglophone region, experience these violations, and the truth is most often than not concealed.

“Having experienced such a scenario with the abduction and murder of a younger brother termed “a terrorist” without prior inquiry or fair trial, my family remains in pain when the truth keeps being concealed”- “The report of him being in the “ADF,” whereas he was an apprentice carpenter and was not given a chance to express himself and yet, tortured before being shot, remains a painful pill to swallow to date.” Says the sister of a victim. In this case, we see, therefore, that the ridicule has not brought dignity to his memory, and justice is yet to be served. It is vital to give accurate reports and justice to the victims, even if it’s just for the sake of their memory.

As we commemorate this day, let us protect human rights defenders in Cameroon, and the world, protect those who seek the truth and pay homage to all those who lost their lives to these violations or as a result of defending such rights. This way, we can grow our countries.

Let us give dignity even to the lost souls’ memories by speaking the truth concerning their death and bringing perpetrators to justice.

*This article was written by Nange Hezelle and Edited by Ntam Damaris and Ferdinant M. Sonyuy. * Subscribe to our newsletter here to receive like articles;