The present dissertation addresses the right to truth in the field of international human rightslaw. The objective is to verify the outlines of this right that make it unique, and which justify itsown (disputable) existence in the human rights scenario as a legally binding norm.

Departingfrom a historical perspective of the emergence of this right in International Law, the intent is toanalyze the multiple debates that have marked the development of the right to truth throughoutthe past decades. It is explored, therefore, how the a priori abstract notion of truth became aright and the strict relation this has with the social mobilizations of victims of gross violationsof human rights.

To accomplish this, the dissertation spans across the struggle, in particular,of the relatives of disappeared victims during the 1970's and 1980's when the dictatorshipsreigned in Latin America. It follows on the expansion of the right to truth during what has beenknown as the fight against impunity, until it reaches the main human rights courts.

To finalize,it discusses the inclusion of the right to truth in the International Convention on the Protectionof All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the measures more commonly used torealize such right. The dissertation concludes that the right to truth carries a singularity that iscrucial for the protection of victims of gross human rights violations.

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