International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is a global observance focused on remembering the victims of enforced absences and supporting the initiatives aimed at eliminating this practice. The purpose of this day is to draw attention to the thousands of individuals who have disappeared without a trace, often in situations involving conflict or state-sponsored violence. Raising awareness about the impact of enforced disappearances on victims and their families is crucial in order to prevent future occurrences and promote justice for those affected.

The United Nations General Assembly declared the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances in December 2010, and the observance occurred for the first time on August 30, 2011. In Canada, this day holds particular significance as it relates to the ongoing efforts to address the disproportionate number of Indigenous women and girls who have gone missing or been murdered. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) has highlighted the need for meaningful action to address the human rights issues faced by Indigenous communities, particularly those stemming from systemic marginalization and dislocation.

In Canada, various organizations and individuals observe International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances by holding events, discussions, and vigils that bring attention to the issue, emphasize the importance of providing support to the victims' families, and urge the government to implement effective measures to address the root causes. These events usually take place on or around August 30th, the established date for the observance worldwide. By recognizing this day and engaging in awareness-raising activities, Canadians are taking an active role in joining the global effort to put an end to enforced disappearances and providing support to those who have lost loved ones in such tragic circumstances.

Facts about Victims of Enforced Disappearances

• The UN Working Group has recorded more than 59,000 cases of enforced disappearances across 110 countries since 1980, including 651 new cases originating in 30 countries in its most recent annual report.
• More than 46,000 cases of enforced disappearances remain unresolved.
• One of the cruelest aspects of enforced disappearances is the prolonged uncertainty experienced by the families of the disappeared, who often spend years or even decades not knowing whether their loved ones are alive or dead.
• One of the most significant issues related to enforced disappearances in Canada is the disproportionately high number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. A national inquiry in 2016 reported that there are at least 1,200 cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada between 1980 and 2012, but other estimates suggest the number is closer to 4,000.
• In British Columbia, a notorious stretch of Highway 16 has been dubbed the Highway of Tears because of the high number of Indigenous women and girls who have disappeared or been found murdered along the route since the 1970s.

In the News and Trending in Canada for International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

Top things to do in Canada for this observance

• Watch the UN's International Day of the Victims of Forced Disappearances video. It shows how hundreds of thousands of people have vanished from over 80 countries around the world.
• Learn how to stand up for the disappeared. The UN's campaign details how to spot a person who may be the victim of an abduction or kidnapping. It advises what to do should you witness such an event.
• Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. The centre has a wealth of resources and information on enforced disappearances of Indigenous people in Canada.
• Visit the monument for Canada's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The monument honours the thousands of Indigenous women and girls who have gone missing or been murdered in Canada.