The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is annually observed on 30th August across the world to commemorate and pay respect to those who have undergone enforced disappearances.
- Enforced disappearance is a widespread and continuous violation of human rights that occurs every day until the whereabouts of the missing person are determined.
- The day helps in gathering support and assistance for the families of the victims of enforced disappearance.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/65/209 on 21 December 2010 and proclaimed the 30th August of every year as the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
ii.The first-ever International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances was observed on 30th August 2011.
iii.The resolution also adopted the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
Major human rights that enforced disappearances regularly violate are:
- The right to liberty and security of the person.
- The right to recognition as a person before the law.
- The right to life, when the disappeared person is killed.
- The right not to be subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
- The right to identity The right to an effective remedy, including reparation and compensation, etc.
What is enforced disappearance?
i.The arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the State or by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the State is considered as Enforced disappearance.
ii.It is a heinous crime against humanity, and the victims, their families, and entire communities suffer significantly as a result.
