International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is a global observance aimed at commemorating the victims of enforced or involuntary disappearances, while raising awareness about the ongoing issues related to this heinous act. This observance seeks to put an end to enforced disappearances, prevent forced disappearances and bring justice to the victims and their families. Recognized as a grave violation of human rights, enforced disappearance often involves arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by state actors, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the person's fate or whereabouts, consequently placing the person beyond the protection of the law.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance in 2006, later selecting August 30 as the observance day in 2011, to honor the work of the Latin American Federation of Associations for Relatives of Detained-Disappeared (FEDEFAM). In India, enforced disappearances have been reported in conflict-affected regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, where thousands of people have been subjected to enforced disappearances since the 1990s. Additionally, counter-insurgency measures in Northeast India and other regions have led to human rights abuses, with numerous cases of enforced disappearances yet to be fully investigated.

On International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, various events and activities are organized in India to raise awareness regarding the issue and provide support to affected families. These may include seminars, workshops, vigils, and other public gatherings aimed at disseminating information and promoting the rights of the disappeared and their families. Furthermore, this day reiterates the importance of India’s responsibility in addressing the issue and implementing effective measures to prevent enforced disappearances, ensuring justice for past victims and eliminating the scope for such acts in the future. The observance is held annually on August 30, serving as a crucial platform to advocate for the rights and protection of the victims and their families in India and across the globe.