it. The options are immense in a globalized world, and the role of
information technology is still uncertain. In turn, this new reality is
endorsed and validated with instruments such as “lawfare” or
media crushing, "image assassination," the irremediable
destruction of the presumption of innocence without due process,
causing those who defend the truth to be mercilessly ''disciplined''.
It is in this context that I consider it important to treat the right to
truth as an autonomous right. In order to contribute to the
dogmatics of international human rights law, I would like to argue
that in this case, we could moved forward toward defining this right
as an autonomous one.
The right to truth as an autonomous right in the InterAmerican System
The right to the truth has been the subject of extensive discussion
in international law, not only before the inter-American human
rights system, but within the general doctrine, and even within
States. Conceptualizing means delving into its origin, its scope, and
its very existence. On some occasions, quotes from great thinkers
are used when analyzing it:
"The people have the same right to the truth as to life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness." Epictetus (55-135)
“Peace, if possible; but the truth, at all costs.” Martin Luther
(1483-1546) 3
Its origin and significance is linked to specific social and political
processes and contexts:
[...] a right to the truth, if indeed such a right exists in
international law, would intermesh strategically with the
broader objectives of international criminal law, arguably
Taken from: Yasmin Naqvi, “The right to the truth in international law: fact or fiction?” International Review of the
Red
Cross,
June
2006,
Original
Version
No.
862,
pg.
2
Available
at
https://internationalreview.icrc.org/sites/default/files/irrc_862_2.pdf
3