They may come at any time – often in unmarked vans, wearing plain clothes, but sometimes openly, in uniform. The people they seize may never be seen again, and their arrest and detention may never be acknowledged. Held in secret, the “disappeared” are deprived of the protection of the law; often tortured.
Enforced disappearance is not a crime of the past. It is practiced by governments in every region, and in many countries is increasing. That's why the UN Human Rights Office has launched an initiative to double the number of ratifications of the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance within five years.
Videos: Get inspired
Relatives of the disappeared speak up about their experiences in the hope that no one else will have to go through what they did.
Thirteen years ago, prominent Thai human rights defender and lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit disappeared, last seen forced into a car with a group of men in Bangkok. His family calls on the government to ratify the Convention for the Protection of All persons from Enforced Disappearance.
A call to action from Antonio Hodgers, whose father is among the 30,000 people who disappeared during the Argentine dictatorship.
A call to action from Tita Radilla Martinez, whose father disappeared in the seventies.
A call to action from Anne Blanchet, who produced the "question mark" installation for the "Jardin des disparus" in Geneva.
A call to action from Cristina from Mexico, whose son is among the 43 student that disappeared in September 2014.
Twenty years ago Nassera Dutour’s son was only 20 when he was abducted in Algeria. Two decades on, she seeks justice for her son and speaks out about enforced disappearances.
Video Message of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
UN High Commissisoner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein's statement on the International Day for the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
Take Action
Stand up for the disappeared and their families. Not sure what to do? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
If you are a citizen/NGO...
If you are a journalist...
- Publish stories explaining to the general public what is enforced disappearance and why ratifying the Convention is important.
If you are a teacher...
- Include enforced disappearance into the curriculum of social, legal and historical studies of your students.
If you are a student...
- Consider including enforced disappearance in your school projects.
If you are a relative of a disappeared...
- Speak up about your experience so that no one else will go through what you did.
Join the conversation
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What is the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances and how does it protect people?
The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance was adopted by General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/177 in December 2006 and came into force in December 2010. Countries that ratify the Convention agree to be legally bound by it and are called State Parties.
In short, the Convention:
- Provides that no one shall be subject to enforced disappearance without exception, even in time of war or other public emergency
- Obliges States parties to criminalize enforced disappearance and make it a punishable offence
- Provides that enforced disappearance constitutes a crime against humanity when practiced in a widespread or systematic manner
- Prohibits secret detention
- Obliges State Parties to guarantee minimum legal standards around the deprivation of liberty, such as maintaining official registers of persons deprived of liberty with minimum of information and authorizing them to communicate with their family, counsel, or any other person of their choice.
Who oversees the Convention? How are States that have ratified the Convention held accountable?
A committee of 10 international independent experts, from all regions of the world, monitors the implementation of the Convention.
They follow-up with States who have ratified the Convention, through reports from States and visits, making comments and recommendations as necessary. They also receive and respond to complaints from victims of enforced disappearances, as well as complaints from States who claim other States are not living up to their obligations under the Convention.
The Committee meets twice a year in Geneva, Switzerland.
Visit the Committee's website to learn more about their work and to read the full text of the Convention.
- I will respect your rights regardless of who you are. I will uphold your rights even when I disagree with you
- When anyone’s human rights are denied, everyone's rights are undermined, so I will stand up
- I will raise my voice. I will take action. I will use my rights to stand up for your rights.
people have stood up for human rights
We can all be Human Rights Champions
Tweet, Instagram or YouTube your action using the hashtag #Standup4humanrights.
#Standup4humanrights