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 dedicated to remembering victims who have been forcibly taken from their homes or workplaces, their families, and their loved ones. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of enforced disappearance as a human rights violation and bring attention to the ongoing fight for justice, truth and reparations for the thousands who have been affected by it. Importantly, the observance also serves as a solemn reminder of the work still necessary to prevent such injustices in the future.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance in 2006, paving the way for the observance of this day every year since then. South Africa has a particularly poignant history in this regard, with numerous cases of enforced disappearances having occurred during the apartheid era. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established in the late 1990s, was tasked with investigating these atrocities and provided many families with answers on the fate of their loved ones; however, some cases still remain unsolved.

In South Africa, the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is typically observed through various events, activities and campaigns, aimed at raising awareness on the matter and supporting the families of the victims who are still seeking truth and closure. These events often involve partnerships between civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and the South African government, reflecting a collective commitment to addressing the issue. The International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is observed annually on the 30th of August, serving as a somber occasion to remember those who continue to suffer the consequences of this grave injustice.

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 notorious organizations involved in enforced disappearances was the South African Police's (SAP) counter-insurgency unit, also known as the Security Branch. This secretive unit operated with virtual impunity and was responsible for numerous human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
• The TRC established that at least 477 individuals were victims of enforced disappearances at the hands of the apartheid state, though some estimates put the number significantly higher.

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

Top things to do in South Africa 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 Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. This museum is a great resource to learn about the enforced disappearances during the apartheid era in South Africa.
• Check out the Hector Pieterson Museum. This museum is named after a young boy who was killed during the Soweto uprising in 1976. It documents the history of the anti-apartheid struggle and the role played by young people in fighting for freedom.