Uruguay Denounces Dictatorship-Era Human Rights Abuses at UN

Uruguay's President Tabare Vazquez told the U.N. Human Rights Council Tuesday that Uruguay is working to unmask dictatorship-era human rights violations for the sake of the families of the victims.

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“We are working for truth and justice, because there was a dictatorship in my country that caused deaths, kidnappings, disappearances, and what the Uruguayan people are looking for today is not revenge, but truth and justice so that there is never more state terrorism,” said Vazquez.

The president guaranteed that he will continue efforts to clarify any mysteries about the country’s military dictatorship from 1973 to 1985 and the abuses at the hands of a state “terrorism that unfortunately, Uruguay suffered” in order to ensure that those mistakes are never repeated.

"Uruguayan president promises at the U.N. to 'overthrow' impunity for the dictatorship."

During his speech, Vazquez noted that his government was built on three invaluable truths: equality, solidarity and universal access to human rights. His duty as president was not only the recognition but also the enforcement of these tenets.

According to Vazquez, his sole duty as head of state is “the realization of human rights for all people," adding, "In a world that at times looks too much like a psychiatric hospital managed by its own patients, it is not enough to claim good sense," Vazquez said, stating that he wanted his country to take its efforts to the next level and be a leader in ethical politics.

The Uruguayan leader emphasized the obligation to pave the way for future generations.